2007 ANNUAL REPORT - cosmos - Bowling Green State University

Recommendations included: Increase the amount of wait time (1); probe for deeper conceptual
understanding (1); add open-ended questions (2); pose questions to guide students through the
concepts (1); give students more time to explore their misconceptions (1); have students share
their ideas in small groups (1); encourage students to explain what they are seeing and
experiencing (1); and encourage more discussion (1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the five observed lessons this was applicable to.
Science Content : An average rating of 3.9 was given for COSMOS science teachers’ observed
lesson content.
Strengths included: the lesson contained science content that was significant and worthwhile
(4); the lesson addressed the state indicators (2); the lesson addressed deep concepts relating
to the physical properties of sound such that students were engaged with important ideas (1);
appropriate connections were made to the ‘real world’ (2); the teacher provided a learning
opportunity in science as a dynamic body of knowledge and of themselves as investigators and
scientists (1); teacher presented accurate information (3); the science content was appropriate
for the developmental level of students (2); and there was an adequate degree of sense-making
(1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the five observed lessons this was applicable to.
Recommendations included: include more intellectual engagement with the activity (1); include
elements of conjecture and hypothesis testing (1); connect material to other areas of science or
real world contexts with which the students are engaged (1); and make more time for sensemaking
(1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the five observed lessons this was applicable to.
Classroom Culture: An average rating of 3.8 was given for COSMOS science teachers’
observed lesson classroom culture.
Strengths included: high engagement of students (2); encouragement of active participation by
all students (3); climate of respect for students (4); teacher use of good management strategies
(1); intellectual rigor, constructive criticism and the challenging of ideas were evident (1); having
a climate that encourages students to generate ideas and propositions (2); and collaborative
relationship between teacher and students (2).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the five observed lessons this was applicable to.
Recommendations included: consider the assignment of roles to different students at the
beginning of the class and have them report out to one another, and then to the class (1);
incorporate a system for discussion (1); and minimize the negative impact of those students who
do not participate (1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the five observed lessons this was applicable to.
Overall Capsule: An average rating of 3.8 was given for COSMOS science teachers’ observed
lesson overall capsule.
Rationale included: lesson demonstrated exemplary instruction (1); instruction was purposeful
(1); the design was based on a 5E model and aimed to engage students in the lesson (1); the
students were able to carry out their own inquiries and were highly engaged most of the time
(1); the goals of the lesson were focused and meaningful (1); the collaboration of the scientist
and teacher was exemplary, which contributed to the success of the lesson (1); the students
were actively engaged in the lesson (1); there needed to be a stronger connection to science as