Prepare to Teach

Before School Starts/Before Each Module

PhD Science is a rigorous student-driven curriculum. The more you understand the phenomenon and the scientific ideas behind each module before you teach it, the better you can respond to student questions, redirect misconceptions, and let student thinking drive the discussion.

Step 1. Read the Module Overview
Start with the big picture. The Module Overview introduces the anchor phenomenon, maps out the module concepts, identifies focus Performance Expectations, and previews how knowledge builds within and across levels. Check the Module Map to see how lesson sets connect before zooming into individual lessons.

Step 2. Study a Lesson Set’s Prepare Section
Each lesson set opens with a Prepare section that includes the Focus Question (guides the whole concept), the Phenomenon Question (guides this lesson set), the Knowledge Statement (teacher-facing only), objectives, standards addressed, and a materials list. Read this before every lesson set—it takes a few minutes and dramatically improves your ability to facilitate with intention.

Step 3. Review Safety and Prepare Materials
Remember to gather and prepare any necessary materials before any investigation. Review the lesson-specific Safety Notes in the sidebar. Make safety expectations explicit with students before they ever touch materials.