MISSION 1
What is
3D Science?
Every scientific discovery begins with curiosity.
⚙ Mission Time: 8:45–9:45 ⚙
Mission Briefing
Your first assignment is to investigate a phenomenon, make careful observations, ask meaningful questions, and begin uncovering the three dimensions of science learning.
During this mission, you will investigate a bubble phenomenon, record observations and questions, explore the components of three-dimensional science instruction, and connect your investigation to how students experience science.
Mission Countdown
60:00
THIS MESSAGE WILL SELF DESTRUCT IN 60 MINUTES
Mission Success Criteria
By the end of this mission, I can:
- ☐ Explain what 3D science instruction is.
- ☐ Describe the three dimensions of science learning.
- ☐ Explain what a phenomenon is.
- ☐ Connect a phenomenon to student sensemaking.
What is a Phenomenon?
A phenomenon is an observable event or occurrence in the natural or designed world that sparks curiosity and encourages students to ask questions. Rather than beginning with facts or vocabulary, three-dimensional science instruction begins with a phenomenon that students investigate to make sense of how or why it happens.
A phenomenon is more than a hook or an engaging activity. While a hook is designed to capture attention at the beginning of a lesson, a phenomenon drives learning throughout the entire instructional sequence. Students return to the phenomenon repeatedly as they build understanding, apply science and engineering practices, connect crosscutting concepts, and develop disciplinary core ideas.
Mission Briefing Video
SECURE TRANSMISSION
Phenomena Briefing
Before beginning your investigation, watch this short briefing on how phenomena drive three-dimensional science learning.
Open Envelope 1
1
Your Assignment
Observe. Wonder. Investigate. Begin making sense of the bubble phenomenon.
Step 1: Observe
Examine the bubble phenomenon. Record everything you notice before discussing your ideas with others.
Step 2: Wonder
In this observation, you will use the Phenomenon OQ Organizer to help obtain observations and develop questions.
Bubble Phenomenon Exploration
- Pour a small amount of bubble solution onto the center of your table or work surface.
- Place the end of your straw just above the bubble solution.
- Gently blow through the straw to create a single large bubble or several connected bubbles. Do not inhale through the straw.
- Observe the bubbles closely before they pop. Look carefully for colors, patterns, shapes, movement, and anything else you notice.
- Repeat the process several times, changing only one variable at a time, such as the size of the bubble or how gently you blow.
- Record your observations and questions on the Observation & Question Organizer.
- Discuss your thinking with your table group, but do not try to explain the phenomenon yet.
Challenge: Can your team generate at least 10 observations and 10 questions about the bubble phenomenon?
Step 3: Explore
Observatory Research Archives
Your investigation has uncovered a new mystery. Use the Observatory Archives to gather evidence about three-dimensional science instruction and phenomena. Record new learning in your Observation Journal before moving to the final debrief.
ARCHIVE 001
Three-Dimensional Learning
Mission Objective: Explore the foundations of three-dimensional science learning and how the three dimensions work together to support student sensemaking.
- What is 3D Science?
- What are the three dimensions?
- How do Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas work together?
- Why is this different from traditional science instruction?
Research File: NGSS: Three-Dimensional Learning
Explore Research File →ARCHIVE 002
What is a Phenomenon?
Mission Objective: Discover how phenomena become the reason students investigate rather than simply capturing attention.
Research File: NGSS: What Are Phenomena?
Investigate →ARCHIVE 003
Why do Phenomena Drive Learning?
Mission Objective: Learn why students return to an anchoring phenomenon throughout an entire learning sequence.
Research File: NGSS: Using Phenomena in Science Classrooms
Access File →Best Places to Find Science Phenomena
The Wonder of Science
★★★★★
Probably the best starting place for elementary teachers. Organized by grade level and standards. Includes anchoring phenomena, lesson ideas, and instructional supports.
- Organized by grade level
- Standards aligned
- Lesson ideas
- Anchoring phenomena
NGSS Phenomena Library
★★★★★
A huge searchable collection of classroom phenomena. Great for finding quick photos, videos, and events connected to a topic or standard.
- Photos
- Videos
- Search by topic
- Search by grade
Georgia Science Teachers Association
★★★★
Georgia-specific resources and professional learning for science teachers.
- Local resources
- Georgia standards connections
- Professional learning
Challenge Mission
Working with your table, find one phenomenon you could use in your own classroom.
Be prepared to share:
- Why did you choose it?
- What questions might students ask?
- Which Science and Engineering Practices could students use?
- Which Crosscutting Concepts naturally emerge?
- Which Disciplinary Core Ideas could students develop?