The purpose of the Improving Inquiry and Standards-Based Elementary Science Instruction Partnership is to improve the quality of science education provided by elementary teachers and to develop scientific literacy in all students.
A two-week summer workshop, based on the results of the needs assessment, will involve teachers in professional development activities consisting of:
• Inquiry-based instruction and Indiana‘s Academic Standards for Science;
• Interdisciplinary activities and instruction techniques that address individual student learning needs;
• Activities and information to develop content knowledge;
• Time to create, implement, and assess science lessons.
The teachers will implement inquiry-based lessons with students who come for five half days during the summer workshop, and use what they have learned in their classes during the school year. Each participating teacher will work on three projects that will be part of the evaluation plan: the employment of a series of inquiry-based lessons, the creation of a teacher portfolio for science, and a group presentation at the HASTI annual conference.
Teachers who participate in the first summer institute will serve as peer-mentors. Release time will be given to teachers so that they may assist each other and attend workshops during the school year. The university partner will make weekly visits to Frankfort and conduct four follow-up sessions during the school year based on ongoing needs assessments. |
1. To improve the quality of science education provided by elementary teachers.
a. To increase participation in content-based professional development and the science content knowledge of elementary teachers who teach science.
b. To improve the inquiry and problem solving teaching skills of elementary teachers.
2. To develop scientific literacy in all students.
a. To increase the number of students participating in classes with teachers using inquiry and problem solving teaching skills.
b. To increase the elementary student achievement on the ISTEP science assessment.
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Through this partnership, Purdue University College of Science will provide professional development for elementary teachers leading to:
• Increased knowledge of science content, science process, and academic standards,
• An understanding of pedagogical practices targeting authentic inquiry-based science activities and assessment that informs teaching and learning,
• Effective utilization of varied teaching resources including technology,
• Classroom-ready materials and standards-based curricula,
• Leadership development and peer-mentor training.
Data collection, teacher recruitment, evaluation, and preparation of reports will be a collaborative effort of Frankfort and Purdue. The Community Schools of Frankfort will support teachers by providing release time for professional development, registration fees to attend workshops, and stipends for work done outside of regular school commitments. Each participating teacher will implement inquiry-based lessons, create a teacher portfolio for science, and participate in a group presentation at the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (HASTI) annual conference.
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