Shifting Mindsets in Science

Paola Rosenberg, Kennedy High School

Paola is a passionate science teacher at Kennedy High School who strives to inspire her students to explore the wonders of science. With extensive experience teaching Living Earth to 9th graders, as well as IB Biology and IB Environmental Science & Societies to 11th and 12th graders, she is well-equipped to guide her students to academic success. As a first-generation Latina STEMist, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching, and she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported. She is committed to helping her students develop the critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge they need to succeed in the world beyond high school.

Project: Processing Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration

The unit delves into the complex processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, exploring their pivotal roles in the cycling of carbon across Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Aligned with NGSS standards, students embark on a multifaceted learning journey, developing models to illustrate these vital biological processes.

Each component within this engaging unit of study employs Google Drawing templates and digital notebooks to foster student understanding. This project consists of a total of 5 components described below.

The last component of the unit culminates in a Screencastify video, wherein students eloquently present their understanding of the concepts explored, spanning from the intricacies of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to the broader implications of carbon cycling within specific biomes. Through these multifaceted components, students actively engage in model development, comprehension building, and effective communication of their newfound knowledge.

For a detailed lesson plan, click here.

Visualizing Photosynthesis

For component 1 students visually depict photosynthesis, utilizing images of focus plants, text boxes, and arrows to showcase reactants, products, and their significance.

Visualizing Cellular Respiration

Component 2 delves into cellular respiration, extending the visualization to focus animals, further elucidating reactants, and intricacies of the process.

Tracing the Chemical Process of Energy within a Biome

Component 3 explores the chemical process of energy within specific biomes, employing arrows and symbols to signify photosynthesis and cellular respiration while

Carbon Cycling within a Biome

Component 4 traces carbon cycling within biomes, delving into the impact across various Earth spheres.

Complete Project Slides

Bio: Project, Processing Photo & Cell Resp (Instructions)

Digital Notebook

The objective of this digital notebook is to equip students with language proficiency pertaining to the unit's vocabulary, enabling them to articulate and describe the intricate processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Additionally, the notebook aims to facilitate students' comprehension of the diverse movements of matter across Earth's spheres: biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Through the application of their learning, students are expected to showcase their understanding by constructing models that vividly portray how photosynthesis converts light energy into stored chemical energy (HS-LS1-5) and to illustrate the pivotal roles of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the carbon cycling among Earth's spheres (HS-LS2-5). This digital platform serves as a tool for students to demonstrate both linguistic mastery and conceptual understanding of these fundamental biological processes and their environmental impact.

Copy of Project: Processing Photosynthesis & Cell Respiration (Digital Notebook) -

Embracing Flexibility

Learning to let go of my very structured timelines was very difficult for me and I have to brave up, relinquishing control. Approaching content with a different mindshift has helped students' scores improve from the beginning of the school year until now.

Being part of Project LEARN has helped me with feeling more comfortable stepping back and seeing where students' voices and purpose will guide our learning as a class. My students have more confidence in themselves.

Crossing Boundaries: Project LEARN's Interdisciplinary Impact

Project LEARN (Paola Rosenberg).mp4

Paola illustrates the profound impact of Project LEARN, not only within her own science classroom but across diverse academic domains. In her presentation, she highlights concrete examples and offers an analysis of the pedagogical framework of translanguaging. Through her discourse, she showcases the transformative influence this project has had on pedagogy, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that transcends subject-specific boundaries.

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