This week on Teaching Channel Talks, our host Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by The Science Lady, Kathy Renfrew, to discuss how science learning provides experience for reading and writing, as well as the importance of shifting the instructional focus away from test results. As a renowned science educator, Kathy offers exceptional insight on how administrators and other teachers can support science teachers and reminds us all that it is a right for students to be taught science—not a privilege!
Our Guest
Known as “The Science Lady,” Kathy Renfrew is an experienced elementary teacher who has held many roles in her career. Currently, Kathy is an education specialist for the Wade Institute for Science Education, a virtual coach for Sibme, an EdReports reviewer, and more. Kathy is a vocal advocate of the need for quality science instruction in elementary classrooms. She followed her undergraduate degree in Human Development with a MEd in Professional Teaching and a MS in K–8 Science Education. Kathy was a National Board Certified Teacher as well as a Presidential Awardee in Elementary Science.
Our Host
Dr. Wendy Amato earned her Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She holds an MBA from James Madison University. Wendy began teaching in 1991, has served as a Middle School Administrator, and still teaches at UVA’s School of Education. She has delivered teacher professional development workshops and student leadership workshops in the US and internationally. Wendy and her family live near Charlottesville, Virginia.
Continue Learning
Academic Research
STEM Teaching Tools
- Practice Brief 21: What school building administrators should know about the new vision for K-12 science education
- Practice Brief 43: Why do we need to teach science in elementary school
- Practice Brief 58: How can science instruction leverage and develop student interests? Short answer: In so many different ways!
- Practice Brief 62: What does subject matter integration look like in elementary school? Including science is the key!
- Practice Brief 72: How can arguing from evidence support sensemaking in elementary science?
Videos
- Nell Duke: Relationships Between Literacy and Science: Implications for Policy
- Teaching Channel Presents: STEM in Action
Blogs & Related Articles
- Science Is Too Important to Sacrifice for Test Prep
- STEM, Middle School, and Girl Power: An Interview with Ms. Lauren Wester
- Making “Science Talk” a Natural Part of Learning
Professional Learning
- 3-credit continuing education course: STEM is the Future for All Students
- 3-credit continuing education course: Fantastic Phenomena-based Learning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- 3-credit continuing education course: 3 Dimensional Learning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
