Shop Talk May 13, 2009
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Transcript of Shop Talk May 13, 2009
Three Steps to Systemic Improvement in Science Education & Increased School
Participation in Science Fairs
Shop TalkMay 13, 2009
Three Steps - Shop Talk Overview
• What are the three steps?
• Inquiry First - Science Fairs Next!
• Come Explore a hands-on Inquiry Activity
• What have we learned?
• How can I bring TSIP to my region?
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
What are the Three Steps?
• Step #1: Inquiry in the classroom
• Step #2: Guide student projects
• Step # 3: School Science Fair culture.
Inspiring Sustained Student Interest in STEM & Increasing School Participation in Fairs
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Inquiry First, Science Fairs Next!
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
MMSSEF 2007 ResultsPercentage of Entries and Percentage of Top 20 Winners for Each Region
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Region
Percent of Total Entries
Percent of Top 20 Winners
TSIP Pilot (Blueprints for Science) over 3 years:• 50% increase in district Science Fair student participation • 40% of the top 20 winners in statewide Science Fair (MS)• Greatest # of winning projects at statewide fair.
Total Entries vs. winners in top 20%
Step #1: Inquiry in the classroom• Teachers use strategies to help students
develop process and critical reasoning skills to understand science.
• Students become active learners
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
What do we mean by “Inquiry?”
Sources: http://www.inquiry.uiuc.edu and Llewellyn, Douglas Teaching HS Science through Inquiry NSTA Press 2005.
Why is “Inquiry” important?
• “Best” method for teaching science - National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996)
• Engages sustained student interest • Part of science standards.
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
“Discovery is addictive. It’s why we adults are in the field.
We need to give [high school students] the experience of discovery, of learning something never before known. [Science] is not about memorizing from textbooks.”
- Dr. Eric Lander, Founding Director of the world-renown Broad Institute at MIT
Sustained Student Interest
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Increasing Inquiry in the Classroom
• Courses for science teachers in inquiry
• Support for Teachers & Schools
• Messaging - Benefits & Recognition for Teachers and Students
• Partnerships with Higher Education
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Practical strategies for infusing more inquiry into teaching practice.
Partnering institutions of higher education Low-cost graduate credits (professional) Follow-up day(s) and support
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
What is the TSIP Institute?“Teaching Science through the Inquiry Process”
TSIP Institute“Teaching Science through the Inquiry Process”
Field Test hosted by UMASS Boston In Summer 08
TSIP History Outgrowth of 2005 Intel ISEF Educator Academy
Mass. Team project
Part of MSSEF’s Curious Minds Initiative (CMI)
TSIP Institute - graduate course
TSIP Facilitator Guide and Certification Program
Model that is reproducible, sustainable, measurable, regional and scalable.
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
TSIP: Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 by science teacher participantsWhat Teachers Told Us:
“Positively changed my understanding of inquiry process in teaching science
“Valuable opportunity to talk with peers
“Right amount of hands-on activities; practical & useful.
“Will apply what I learned to my teaching practice.
“Reinvigorated my excitement about teaching and engaging kids with thinking.
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
TSIP Syllabus & Teacher Feedback
Exploring a Hands-On TSIP Activity
Step #2 Teachers guide student projects
• Coaching students to investigate the world the way real scientists do
• Connecting schools/teachers with resources and mentors
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Why are Science Fair Projects important?
• Motivating & Meaningful • Enable in-depth understanding and retention• Open college & career opportunities• Build transferable 21st century skills in many
subject areas• Teachers are engaged and learn too!
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Projects Focus on Students’ Natural Curiosity
Patent Award Winners !
Reducing children’s backpack-related injuries
“Dry Mitt” glove to reduce arthritic hand pain
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Step #3 Develop School Science Fair Culture
Build Community Involvement
Judges, volunteers, mentors, sponsors Greater public awareness and support
http://wbztv.com/video/[email protected]
Increase STEM career awareness Requires time & resources
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Breaking Gender StereotypesIncrease in Female Student Participation
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
What Have We Learned?
Teachers see inquiry differently after TSIP course.
Teams work best. Novice inquiry teachers and practicing inquiry
teachers each take the next step. It takes time and commitment for teachers &
community to transform schools/districts into inquiry-based culture.
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
What teachers & schools need to succeed:
Knowledge, Tools & Resources
Time!
Recognition & Encouragement
Support from Administration & Community
Overcoming Obstacles
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
How Do We Measure Success?
Annual surveys of teachers and schools: Impact on TSIP teachers use /understanding of
inquiry Growth and sustainability of school-based Fairs
Impact on students Short term – # H.S. courses, science fair
participation Long term – College majors and careers At full scale-up - longitudinal study
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
How to Bring TSIP to My Region?
• Certified TSIP Course Facilitators • Tuition scholarships for teachers• Stipends for Science Teacher/ Fair Coordinator(s)• Support and sponsors from community• State Department of Education role• Regional Science Fair organizations role• Leveraged partnerships
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)
Inspiring Sustained Student Interest in STEM
& Increasing School Participation in Fairs through Inquiry-Based Learning
Cora Beth Abel, Executive [email protected]
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)