This course explores a three-dimensional approach to science teaching, guiding educators on how to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Participants will learn to implement the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science using this framework to enhance student understanding, engagement, and inquiry-based learning.
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- Our courses are streamlined for efficient and lasting learning.
- We share ideas and resources that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
- We also offer ideas and techniques based on years of experience in professional development, integrating educator feedback to always meet the needs of course participants.
Self-Paced Online Course
The Three Dimensions of Science TEKS is a self-paced, online program. Participants can begin anytime and go at their own speed throughout the program.
Upon enrollment, you will receive a program invitation email from TCEA’s learning management system that will give you access to the self-paced course. Within the course, you will find modules that must be moved through in sequential order.
Course Modules
Three Dimensions of Science: How do people who are part of the scientific community or work in a science-related career develop new knowledge? How can you help students understand how new knowledge is developed over time? In this module, you will learn about the three dimensions of science and how these three dimensions are used by people to develop explanations for how or why things happen.
Science TEKS in Three Dimensions: What happened to the process skills in the science TEKS? Aren’t science practices the same as process skills? How are recurring themes and concepts different from disciplinary concepts for science? In this module, you will learn about the disciplinary concepts, recurring themes, and practices found in the current TEKS and what a three-dimensional framing of the essential knowledge and skills in science means for classroom instruction.
The Nature of Three-Dimensional Instruction: How do I teach students how to participate in complex science practices? How do I help students learn to use different concepts and recurring themes as tools to help make sense of the world around them? Are the three dimensions of science best taught together or in isolation? In this module, you will learn about three-dimensional (3D) instruction and why it is so beneficial for students.
The Role of Phenomena in Three-Dimensional Instruction: What is the purpose of phenomena in 3D instruction? Isn’t a phenomenon just a hook or a way to help explain a concept? Why is everyone talking about phenomena in science education right now? In this module, you will learn the definition of a phenomenon and how they are used in 3D instruction to create a need to learn and provide an end-point for an instructional sequence.
Essential Features of Three-Dimensional Instruction: How is 3D instruction different from one dimensional (1D) or two dimensional (2D) instruction? What should I look for when I am deciding which instructional materials to use? What does 3D instruction look like inside the classroom? In this module, you will learn how to distinguish between 3D instruction and other forms of instruction when evaluating existing instructional materials and when observing others teach.