"PSI: Physical Science Investigation" is an online STEM curriculum and video series produced in partnership with the Great Lakes Science Center.
PSI Promotional Video
Instructional Design
This collection of resources was organized around an underlying structure of scientific inquiry and targets specific subject matter in the physical sciences. Each video experiment engages students in inquiry-based activities that promote deeper conceptual understanding and high cognitive demand. In addition to demonstrating difficult experiments and concepts, the resources were also designed to develop and support the teacher’s application of inquiry method in the classroom. In order to accomplish these complementary objectives, each of the experiments were designed and produced in two versions: a teacher’s version, and a student’s version.
This collection of resources was organized around an underlying structure of scientific inquiry and targets specific subject matter in the physical sciences. Each video experiment engages students in inquiry-based activities that promote deeper conceptual understanding and high cognitive demand. In addition to demonstrating difficult experiments and concepts, the resources were also designed to develop and support the teacher’s application of inquiry method in the classroom. In order to accomplish these complementary objectives, each of the experiments were designed and produced in two versions: a teacher’s version, and a student’s version.
PSI for Teachers
PSI for Teachers can be used as a professional development resource containing a series of video segments accompanied by downloadable lessons that demonstrate and explain the procedures, science concepts and academic standards involved in each experiment, and that also prepare the teacher to present "PSI for Students" in the classroom. The video and accompanying .pdf support materials describe and model classroom presentation strategies, demonstrating how the teacher can implement the student’s version to effectively develop and promote inquiry-based learning.
PSI for Teachers can be used as a professional development resource containing a series of video segments accompanied by downloadable lessons that demonstrate and explain the procedures, science concepts and academic standards involved in each experiment, and that also prepare the teacher to present "PSI for Students" in the classroom. The video and accompanying .pdf support materials describe and model classroom presentation strategies, demonstrating how the teacher can implement the student’s version to effectively develop and promote inquiry-based learning.
The website is no longer available but can be viewed via the Internet Archive's "Wayback Machine" by clicking here. All PSI videos can also be viewed and/or downloaded from iTunes U.
PSI Teacher Introduction Page
PSI for Students
PSI for Students is an instructional resource in which each experiment is carefully presented using a series of video segments that allow students to view the activities, procedures and results, with a minimum of explanation. This approach will encourage teachers to lead students in discussions and problem solving regarding the effect of each procedure, the causes and possible outcomes of the entire experiment, and how the experiment relates to events and processes in the physical world around them. All PSI videos can be viewed and/or downloaded from iTunes U.
PSI for Students is an instructional resource in which each experiment is carefully presented using a series of video segments that allow students to view the activities, procedures and results, with a minimum of explanation. This approach will encourage teachers to lead students in discussions and problem solving regarding the effect of each procedure, the causes and possible outcomes of the entire experiment, and how the experiment relates to events and processes in the physical world around them. All PSI videos can be viewed and/or downloaded from iTunes U.
PSI Student Page- Experiment Menu
