For students to advance in the sciences, they need access to scientific terminology that promotes conceptual understanding. Rather than simply memorizing—and quickly forgetting—definitions of key science terms, PhD Science® students acquire deep and lasting comprehension of scientific concepts and terminology through accessible hands-on activities and evidence-based learning.
In this video, PhD Science Implementation Support Associate Molly Fife unpacks the role of terminology in student sensemaking and knowledge building. The video explains the benefits of using the Activity Before Concept > Concept Before Terminology method to meet the diverse needs of students. It also provides examples of terminology learning routines that give students multi-modal entry points to new science terms.