Scientific Reasoning and Technical Writing at the Secondary Level

This course empowers educators to integrate scientific reasoning and technical writing into their teaching practices, enhancing students' ability to think critically and communicate effectively in technical fields. Participants will explore strategies for fostering analytical thinking, guiding students in interpreting data, and applying scientific principles to real-world problems. The course also covers best practices for teaching technical writing, including structuring reports, documenting processes, and articulating technical concepts clearly. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, teachers will develop tools to strengthen their students’ skills in these essential areas, preparing them for success in technical careers and further education.

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• Students struggle with clarity, precision, and organization in technical writing.
  
• Weakness in evidence-based reasoning and connecting claims to scientific principles.
  
• Limited skills in interpreting data, distinguishing between observations, inferences, and hypotheses, and applying those insights effectively in writing.

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1. Strengthening Technical Writing Skills: Participants will learn strategies for teaching students to adjust writing for different audiences, structure lab reports and manuals effectively, and communicate scientific processes with precision.
   
   
2. Embedding Evidence-Based Reasoning: Educators will gain techniques to reinforce claim-evidence-reasoning structures, improve student use of scientific principles in reasoning, and provide scaffolds for integrating data into written arguments.
   
   
3. Building Data Literacy and Critical Thinking: Teachers will practice methods to help students analyze patterns and trends, evaluate sources, and distinguish between observation, inference, and hypothesis—ultimately producing stronger scientific writing that reflects authentic inquiry