This webpage has been created to provide examples of NURTURES program content, teacher professional development experiences, and family engagement experiences. The videos featured on this page are from live, synchronous sessions and have been edited for time, content, and continuity.
The Institute is designed to provide participants with the experience and opportunities to learn how to apply inquiry-based, three-dimensional science learning. Each session is comprised of three components Metacognition, Inquiry, and Learning Architecture. Combined, these 3 distinct components provide an immersive three-dimensional learning experience.
Combining curated content with engaging discussion to promote deep thinking & reflective discussions about teaching & learning.
Engaging participants in 3D Inquiry through designed lesson experiences and purposeful reflection on teaching and learning.
Supporting collaborative planning experiences in which participants create units of instruction with peers.
NURTURES Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) utilize a plan-try-feedback progression that supports and enriches participant’s use of 3D and Inquiry-based science practices in the classroom. Participants teach collaboratively developed lessons, share classroom experiences, then give and receive feedback during the PLC process.
Family Packs are designed to extend science learning from school to home with fun, educative activities for the entire family. Each pack features activity directions, necessary materials, and a journal sheet for children to record data or visually represent their understanding.
Family Packs are designed to support and encourage families to have meaningful science discussions, use scientific vocabulary, promote interest in science learning, and reinforce math and literacy concepts.
NURTURES Family Events are designed to enhance family engagement in science with fun, educative event-based activities for the entire family. Events can be hosted at school or within the community.
Events feature multiple opportunities for families to experience science and engineering. Events are designed to support family discussions about science & engineering and encourage children to communicate ideas and make conclusions.
NURTURES (Phase 1) created ten one-minute NURTURES Family Video learning segments with PBS station, WGTE.
These learning segments are aligned with science and engineering practices and reinforce the Explore, Discuss, Think learning philosophy by briefly detailing an exploration and encouraging families to talk together about what happened during the exploration and why they observed the things they did. These videos are accessible through the NURTURES website.
