About this Course

The course "Fired up about Energy" is an engaging online workshop that leverages animations and professional development materials from the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) and FableVision Studios. It focuses on enhancing understanding and teaching of the concept of energy, a keystone in both the physical sciences and as a crosscutting concept to connect diverse scientific disciplines. By using an animated video featuring a teacher named Ms. Reyes discussing energy, this course illuminates various ways the concept of energy can be taught effectively while addressing common misconceptions.

What Students Will Learn

• Deepen their understanding of the concept of energy and its importance in science.
• Identify and utilize student preconceptions and misconceptions about energy.
• Explore and apply instructional strategies from the video to enhance classroom teaching.
• Design effective science instruction focused on the principles of energy and its conservation.

Course Prerequisites

There are no strict prerequisites for this course, making it accessible for anyone interested in teaching or understanding the concept of energy, including educators across all grade levels.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to Energy: Exploring its pervasive role in physical sciences and everyday life.
• Analysis of pedagogical approaches in the animated video presented.
• Addressing and rectifying common misconceptions about energy.
• Strategies for constructing educational content around the conservation of energy and system interactions.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for K-12 science educators looking to enhance their instructional skills regarding complex scientific concepts like energy. It is also beneficial for educational professionals in planning and professional development roles, or anyone interested in science education.

Real-world Applications

Upon completing the workshop, participants will be equipped to:

• Enhance science curriculum with robust instructional strategies that clarify the concept of energy.
• Effectively address and leverage student misconceptions in energy to improve learning outcomes.
• Facilitate more engaging and contextually relevant science lessons that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications, fostering a deeper understanding in students.