Teaching Our Students to "Think Like a Scientist" (K-5)

This session will focus on the following key pieces of instruction that guide students in thinking like a scientist.  

• Reading like a scientist

• Experimenting/Modeling/Observing like a scientist

• Discussing and synthesizing their learning like a scientist

• Forming conclusions and writing like a scientist.

We will also look at how to scaffold these pieces to allow all learners to be exposed to the grade-level standards. We will apply this learning in practicing modifying their current lessons/units with these key pieces in mind. Join us at the SIEC office for helpful professional learning specifically designed for our science teachers!

*This session builds on the ideas of the foundational and intermediate level sessions, but doesn't require that the other sessions have been attended.

Workshop Series Details:

• Date: January 19, 2027

• Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST each day

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee: SIEC Member - $175 /Non-member $245

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided each day.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the registration link on this page to register.

Presenter: Sarah D. Henry

I have spent the last 21 years in education as a teacher, educational leader, adjunct professor, secondary science administrator, author, and consultant!  My passion has always been helping students find success in learning so that they will be lifelong learners.  The more students I am able to help through my work, the more my “bucket” is filled!

I began my career as a middle school science teacher in Austin ISD, in Austin, Texas. I continued my work as a middle school science teacher in Brownsburg Community School Corporation & MSD of Washington Township in Indiana. 

 For the past 11 years, I have served as the Secondary Science Administrator for Brownsburg Community School Corporation, where I have worked with secondary (6th-12th grade) science teachers to improve curriculum, instruction, assessment, and PLC processes.  I have presented workshops at the local, state, and national levels as well as worked with educational consulting for districts around the state. I also taught aspiring educational leaders, as an adjunct professor, in the area of Assessing for Learning for several years at the University of Indianapolis.