Texas teachers looking for engaging lessons centered on design-based learning have a new web resource from IBM called Teachers TryScience that just may fit the bill. TeachersTryScience.org was developed to support classroom teachers worldwide in implementing best practices in design-based learning through the context of environmental science. Design-based learning challenges students to engineer solutions to real world problems through their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Most important for Texas teachers, every online lesson has been correlated through a partnership with the Texas Regional Collaboratives to the latest science TEKS. Sandy Dochen, IBM’s Manager for Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, facilitated the partnership and has worked closely in support of TRC activities on behalf of IBM.
“IBM is very appreciative of TRC’s partnership in helping us to develop the Teachers TryScience web site. This comprehensive tool, accessible to anyone, provides over 60 lesson plans — each integrated with instructional supports, to prepare STEM teachers to engage students in exciting engineering and environmental learning experiences. Not only did TRC staff and teachers provide useful advice to the IBM team who developed the site, but they also correlated lesson plans to the Texas science TEKS. TRC is a great connector of STEM teachers to enrichment and inspiration. IBM is proud to work with the TRC to help teachers be at the top of their game,” noted Dochen.
In addition to lesson plans, IBM has incorporated social networking and collaborative tools into the site to allow teachers to rate lessons and form professional groups for further discussion about implementation.
Dr. Carol Fletcher, Associate Director for the TRC, is pleased that IBM, a worldwide organization, “understood the importance of supporting Texas teachers by correlating lessons to specific student expectations in the Texas state standards. IBM has put a lot of thought into making the Teachers TryScience website very user friendly for Texas teachers.”
STEM teachers can benefit from the many resources within this useful tool by visiting www.teacherstryscience.org.
