Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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Teresa Randall

Science Curriculum Specialist

K20 Center

Academic Credentials

PhD Environmental Science
Oklahoma State University 2012

About Me

Teresa has 30 years combined formal and informal science teaching experience. She has taught high school and college biology and was a conservation educator for two zoos. Currently Teresa works with Oklahoma’s rural science teachers through a GEAR UP grant. “I love that the K20 Center supports rural communities by providing teachers and students with equitable opportunities for learning.”

Recent Publications

Fire: Friend or Foe?

Fire Ecology as a Management Tool for a Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 10th - 12th

In this lesson, students explore the Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem and fire ecology as a management tool. They evaluate the prairie ecosystem's response to the impact of burning. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Fire: Friend or Foe?

Fire Ecology as a Management Tool for a Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 10th - 12th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Biology I, Biology II, Environmental Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • B.LS2.6 , B.LS2.6.1, B.LS2.6.2, B.LS2.6.3
More 2-3 class periods
Time Frame 120 minutes
Parrots, Penguins, and Parts

Homologous Structures 

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 8th

In this lesson, students will learn to compare anatomical similarities and differences between organisms and explain the relationship between organisms based on homologous structures. They begin by reading a recent research article on either parrots or penguins. Then, students learn about the ancient... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Parrots, Penguins, and Parts

Homologous Structures 

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 8th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-LS4-2, 8.LS3.1.4
More 180 minutes
Time Frame 3-4 class period(s)
Inertia Makerspace

Newton's First Law of Motion

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

In this lesson, students will learn how to characterize Newton's First Law of Motion as a cause-and-effect relationship and use these relationships to make predictions about how the natural world functions. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Inertia Makerspace

Newton's First Law of Motion

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-PS2-2
More 4-5 class periods
Time Frame 200 minutes
Glaciers: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Glacial Theory and Earth's Systems

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 8th

In this lesson, students will create models to simulate glacial movement. Students then will compare and contrast real glaciers with their models, learn about glacial theory, and research modern-day glaciers to find out what is happening to them. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Glaciers: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Glacial Theory and Earth's Systems

Subject Subject

  • Science

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 8th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, 7.ESS3.1 , 7.ESS3.3.1
More 4-5 class periods
Time Frame 230 minutes
Venom: From Lethal to Lifesaving

Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 8th

In this lesson on the interdependence of science, engineering, and technology, students will use the example of snake venom to explore how natural resources can be used to make synthetic products that humans rely on. Students will learn and practice research strategies and evaluate sources. Finally,... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Venom: From Lethal to Lifesaving

Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 8th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-PS1-3
More 160 minutes
Time Frame 3-4 class period(s)

Do you like to disrupt the status quo? Do you want new ways to assess students by using their favorite form of literacy: speaking and listening? Dive into the use of Flipgrid as an alternative formative assessment tool. The #Flipgridfever for Formative Assessments PD session focuses on using Flipgrid... Read more »

Tag Target Audience

  • All Staff or Teachers, New Teachers, PLC, Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Whole Class

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Brainstorming, Collaborate, Cross-Curricular, Increase Teacher "Toolbox", Self-assessment, Speak & Listen, Student Choice
More
Time Frame 90-120 minutes