Summer Institute Day 1

The team spent the first day of our 2017 Summer Institute outside exploring the breathtaking Marin Headlands.

Today's goals:

Content: Explore how coastline and waves interact

Pedagogical: Use science notebooks to engage in practices of science and engineering

NGSS Three Dimensional Focus: Unpack learning progressions of DCIs for earth/ physical science

We spent the first part of the day taking some quiet time alone on the beach, observing the waves. Teachers were asked to think of things they noticed and things they wondered about the crests of each wave.

Then, the group sat in a circle on the beach to notice buoys swaying in the water learn about some of their many functions. Everyone had a hard time focusing though because there was a whale who kept breaching the surface of the water!

Next, we embarked on a rather steep hike up a cliff to reach our next location. The spectacular views offset the rigor and the large amount of sand in our shoes.

At this next location, we tested the air temperature, wind speed, and cloud cover.

After a short break, we walked to an old bunker, where we worked with grade level teams to gain an even deeper familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards. We also got to eat lunch here and take in some more beautiful views.

After lunch, we took a short walk to the striking Point Bonita Lighthouse. Here, we considered ways that the engineering design of lighthouses can help improve their function.