Communicating In Science

Science is rich with opportunities for communication. In fact, a large part of science involves students talking, writing and reading. This communication may include scientists' meetings to discuss ideas and investigations, science journals to record observations and data, or the use of trade books to help illustrate concepts. Science also lends itself to student research, especially with topics such as the solar system that tend to be less hands-on and more content based. These research-driven topics allow students to pose questions; research ideas and concepts using a variety of print and Internet-based resources; write a report, procedure or persuasive essay; utilize the writing process to edit and revise; and then present what they have learned.

Creating a Richer Picture™

"How do we give each student individual attention when our schools, districts and state departments are designed to think of students in large groups?" David Niguidula, founder of Ideas Consulting, and a pioneer in the use of digital portfolios, finds that this is one of the greatest challenges faced by educators today. Lack of time is an honest dilemma and learning to maximize the interaction and communication had with each student can be daunting. Capturing and celebrating individual goals met by students is essential to their personal growth. So how do we do this? How do we promote this essential communication in our classrooms? A number of Exemplars users have found that creating digital portfolios of students' work serves as a tremendous catalyst for communication. Many schools require their students to keep portfolios, typically done in paper form. But with technology becoming more and more prevalent in our schools, the idea of keeping students portfolios digitally is catching on.

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Supporting Math Reform in the NYC Middle Schools

Exemplars is pleased to be working in collaboration with 200 New York City middle schools, to provide assessment and instruction material as well as professional development.