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/?id=62004@wbz.dayport.com

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 Directorabel@scifair.com

Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)