Scheck Hillel Science Chair Hosts Introduction to Modeling Instruction Workshop for Science Educators

“Dive in and let go!” That’s what one teacher learned to do at the Science Modeling Instruction^TM workshop hosted by Scheck Hillel Community School June 17-21. This week-long course for science educators was taught by Carlos Montero, Scheck Hillel’s Upper School Science Department Chair. Nationally recognized as a science educator, he earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2013.

“In this workshop, I learned that students become in charge of their own learning through Modeling Instruction, which enables you to have deeper classroom conversations with them,” said another participant.

Introduction to Modeling Instruction^TM was for Grades 6-12 teachers from all science disciplines and all South Florida schools and focused on the concept of energy as a central theme in science classes. Participants carried out investigations to learn how Modeling Instruction works in the context of physics, chemistry, biology and middle school science. They earned membership to the American Modeling Teachers Association

“Through the Modeling Instruction teaching method, students learn science as scientists do – by doing science. It helps teachers attain knowledge, skills and experience needed to benefit students,” Montero said.

Montero first encountered Modeling Instruction in 2006 and has been devoted to the pedagogy ever since experiencing the profound impact it had in his chemistry classes. In 2013, he was certified as a Modeling Instruction workshop leader by the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA). He also served on the executive board of AMTA for 3 years. Mr. Montero has been a featured presenter on several national platforms, including the Biennial Conference in Chemical Education. He is also an experienced AP Chemistry teacher and serves as an exam reader for the College Board.