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BCSC 5e Instructional Model

BSCS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) paper explaining the 5e instructional model. The model describes a teaching sequence that can be used for entire programs, specific units, and individual lessons. The BSCS 5E Instructional Model plays a significant role in the curriculum development process as well as the enactment of curricular materials in science classrooms.

Models in the Classroom

In this video, GUTS teachers talk about using models within science classrooms.

Decoding a model

Decoding a model is an on computer activity in which students are challenged to decode a model.

Introduction to Computational Science

This video was produced by Project GUTS and Code.org to introduce computational science.

Complex Adaptive Systems

This video was produced by Project GUTS and Code.org to introduce Complex Adaptive Systems.

Agent Based Modeling

This video was produced by Project GUTS and Code.org to introduce agent based modeling.

Computational Thinking

This video introduces computational thinking. It was produced by Project GUTS with Code.org.

Teacher testimonial: Corinna Low

This video shows an interview of Corinna Low, a middle school science teacher from South San Francisco.

Teacher encouragement

In this video, Corinna Low give teachers words of encouragement to try the Project GUTS CS in Science curriculum.

Dispositions and Classroom Culture

In this video, GUTS teachers talk about instilling dispositions and classroom culture that supports scientific inquiry and the development of computational thinking.

Understanding by Design

Understanding by Design (UbD) curriculum offers a 3-stage “backward design” framework for developing units of study. The same process guides larger-scale curriculum development for courses and
programs (macro level). The UbD curriculum structure for building a coherent curriculum spirals around “big ideas,” essential questions, and core assessments.

Using Computer Models in Scientific Inquiry

In this video, a Project GUTS teacher explains how and why we use computer models in science classrooms.

Computational Thinking Resources

The attached documents can provide background information for teachers on Computational Thinking.

Project GUTS MOOC

Project GUTS presented the CS in Science curriculum modules in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The links below will allow you access to the original MOOC site, to see not only the written curriculum but also screencasts of building the related StarLogo Nova models and other background information for teachers and facilitators. The MOOC was also translated in Spanish (see link below).

For the 2017 course, please go to guts-2017.appspot.com

Teaching Tip - How to organize and share student work

Tips on how to set up a folder so students can share their work in an online gallery of sorts.

Información sobre Sistemas Complejos Adaptativos

Tres documentos con información general acerca de Sistemas Complejos Adaptativos. Traducidos por @rizzicristian a partir de los originales en Inglés.

Battle of the Agents

A take on the classic board game Battleship, this paper and pencil activity is a fun way to help students understand the use of x and y coordinates in StarLogo Nova. After the activity, students can use the StarLogo Nova model to experiment with x and y locations in a game-like context.

What are the chances?

An off-line activity to introduce students to concepts of randomness and how to program percent chance using a slider in StarLogo Nova.

Scavenger Hunt for Teachers

This scavenger hunt asks teachers to locate various Project GUTS resources. A fun tool to increase familiarity with Project GUTS and what's available.

Battleship activity in StarLogo Nova

This activity uses the idea of the classic "battleship" game to review x and y coordinates in StarLogo Nova.  Students do a pen and paper simulation of the game, and then use a base model in StarLogo Nova to review the coordinates.