Science Notebooks in Grades 3–6 19
Frames and prompts. When providing frames or prompts, you
are helping students organize their thinking. The frame provides a
communication structure that allows students to focus their attention
on thinking about the science involved. Here are some general frames.- I used to think , but now I think.
- The most important thing to remember about evaporation is.
- One thing I learned about.
When using frames, you need to provide just the right amount of
scaff olding to allow students to communicate their understanding. Too
much scaff olding limits the opportunity for students’ communication
skills to progress. Too little scaff olding may not allow the student to
accurately represent his or her understanding.
For example, in the Energy and Electromagnetism Module,
students are asked,
➤ What is the relationship between the distance between two magnets
and the force of attraction between them?You can provide diff erent frames to students, depending on ability. Each
frame has merit when used appropriately. The four diff erent frames
below give students progressively less support.- As the distance between the two magnets increases, the force of
attraction. I know this because when I tested a distance of
6 spacers, the force broke with washers. When I tested a
distance of 1 spacer, the force broke with washers. - As the distance between the two magnets , the force of
attraction. I know this because when I tested a distance of
spacers, the force broke with washers. When I tested a
distance of spacer, the force broke with washers. - As the , the. I know this because.
- Make a claim about the force of attraction between magnets, and
provide evidence to support your claim.
Frames and prompts are designed
to support students to either
communicate or think more
about the content. The important
point is that students are doing
the thinking and not merely
responding to the prompt.
TEACHING NOTE