guides_page
Educator guides are developed to support academic standards and focus on important topics, skills, and activities for students of different age and classroom ranges. Each guide is based on the New York State Elementary Science Core Curriculum and the New York City New Standards™.

Each Guide contains the following content:

  • Grade Level Curriculum Connections
  • Grade Level National Standards
  • Grade Level Recommended Exhibit List
  • Learning Continuum Structure
  • Continuum Activities
  • Laboratory Activities
  • Book List

The Guides are grouped by K – 2, 3 – 5, and 6 – 8.

A learning continuum is a proven model for integrating a field trip visit with a classroom-based learning unit. Instead of isolating a field trip as a class event, students prepare for the field trip and understand its purpose beforehand. The field trip itself becomes an integral part of an investigation. Afterward, students use the information they learned on the field trip for further understanding. The guides are structured as a learning continuum. The basic structure is as follows:

  • Begin the investigation at School
  • Investigate further at the New York Hall of Science
  • Finish investigation back at School

The continuum activities within the guides are designed to help educators integrate a field trip using the learning continuum model. The activities have the following structure:

  • Introduce a topic and prepare students for a visit
  • Engage in an activity while on the field trip
  • Follow-up after the field trip

The laboratory activities within each guide can be used before or after a visit. They are customized activities for each exhibition area and vary in depth and time to implement. We encourage educators to integrate the field trip via the learning continuum model rather than select isolated activities and go on a field trip.

 

Scientific Inquiry Method

We chose an investigation approach for our guides because most people are familiar with popular crime and detective show investigations on TV: a mystery unfolds, questions are asked, the evidence is gathered, conclusions are drawn. This process is similar to what scientists go through with the inquiry method. Your students may become science police, detectives, agents or nothing at all. The choice is up to you.

 

Connections Curriculum: The Nature of Networks
Connections K – 2 Connections 3 – 5 Connections 6 – 8

 

Hidden Kingdoms Curriculum
Hidden Kingdoms K – 2 Hidden Kingdoms 6 – 8

 

Mathematica Curriculum: Beyond Numbers
Mathematica 6 – 12

 

Rocket Park Curriculum
Rocket Park K – 2 Rocket Park 3 – 5 Rocket Park 6 – 8

 

Science Playground Curriculum
Playground K – 2 Playground 3 – 5 Playground 6 – 8

 

Search for Life Beyond Earth Curriculum
Search for Life K – 2 Search for Life 3 – 5 Search for Life 6 – 8

 

Seeing the Light Curriculum
Seeing the Light K – 2 Seeing the Light 3 – 5 Seeing the Light 6 – 8

 

Sports Challenge Curriculum
Sports Challenge K – 2 Seeing the Light 6 – 8 Sports Challenge 6 – 8