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Using Instructional Guides with Penda Science Activities

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Overview

• Penda's Instructional Guides (IGs) enhance lesson planning, address student misconceptions, differentiate instruction, and promote inquiry-based learning.
• IGs provide standards-aligned resources, learning progressions, and hands-on activities to support effective science instruction. 
• Users can access IGs directly from the Activities Library or within an Activity Preview for quick integration into their classrooms.

How to Use Instructional Guides in Your Classroom

1. Lesson Planning & Standards Alignment

• Each IG outlines how the concept builds from elementary to high school, helping you scaffold learning. Use the Learning Progression section to connect prior knowledge to new content.

2. Addressing Student Misconceptions

• IGs highlight common student misunderstandings about the topic. Use the “Myth or Fact?” classroom strategy to help students debunk misconceptions before the lesson.

3. Differentiating Instruction with Penda Activities

• IGs include a list of Penda activities categorized by difficulty (Emerging, Achieving). Use Penda data to assign activities based on student performance levels.

4. Enhancing Engagement with Hands-On Learning

• Each IG includes a phenomenon-based activity to drive inquiry. Use the suggested hands-on activities to help students visualize scientific concepts.

5. Assessment & Reflection

• Use the Student Learning Objectives to guide exit tickets or formative assessments. Encourage students to use concept maps or self-assessment reflections based on IG questions.

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Why Use Instructional Guides?

• Easy to Access & Use: Available directly within Penda’s platform.

• Standards-Aligned: Supports state standards.

• Addresses Misconceptions: Helps students develop accurate scientific thinking.

• Supports Differentiation: Allows teachers to personalize learning with different levels of Penda activities.

• Built for Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages hands-on and interactive engagement

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How to find Instructional Guides

Step 1 - Search for an Activity and Preview

Users can access IGs directly from multiple locations:

• Activities Library - For detailed instructions: How to Search, Preview, and Favorite Activities
• Assignments - For detailed instructions: How to Assign Activities and Assessments (Teacher)
• PAS Plans - For detailed instructions: How to View a PAS Plan Schedule, Preview Activities, View Instructional Guides and Assign Now

Step 2 - View the Guide

• From Click the View Guide icon  in the top-right corner.
• Select an Instructional Guide from the pop-up window.
  • View - to open the guide
  • Download icon for an printable .pdf version