The Science Writing Heuristic, Part I
The Science Writing Heuristic, Part II
A template for teacher-designed activities to promote laboratory understanding.
A template for student.
1. Exploration of pre-instruction understanding through individual or group concept mapping or working through a computer simulation.
1. Beginning ideas - What are my questions?
2. Pre-laboratory activities, including informal writing, making observations, brainstorming, and posing questions.
2. Tests - What did I do?
3. Participation in laboratory activity.
3. Observations - What did I see?
4. Negotiation phase I - writing personal meanings for laboratory activity. (For example, writing journals.)
4. Claims - What can I claim?
5. Negotiation phase II - sharing and comparing data interpretations in small groups. (For example, making a graph based on data contributed by all students in the class.)
5. Evidence - How do I know? Why am I making these claims?
6. Negotiation phase III - comparing science ideas to textbooks for other printed resources. (For example, writing group notes in response to focus questions.)
6. Reading - How do my ideas compare with other ideas?
7. Negotiation phase IV - individual reflection and writing. (For example, creating a presentation such as a poster or report for a larger audience.)
7. Reflection - How have my ideas changed?
8. Exploration of post-instruction understanding through concept mapping, group discussion, or writing a clear explanation.
8. Writing ≠ What is the best explanation that explains what I have learned?