Promoting Meaningful and Equitable Modeling Practices

Many elementary science teachers have faced some challenges in implementing meaningful and equitable modeling practices in online science instruction that is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Integrating technology tools into modeling practices in project-based learning environments can support meaningful and equitable modeling practices by promoting the development of student agency, the use of diverse modalities, and collaboration. Through an example lesson on the changing shape of earth features, we illustrate how a teacher can help students with varying levels of language learn about earth’s systems by collaboratively developing an explanatory model of vegetation and soil interaction to represent their ideas. We conclude by discussing in what ways this lesson supports meaningful and equitable participation in modeling practices.