Shop Talk May 13, 2009

1. Three Steps to Systemic Improvement in Science Education & Increased School Participation in Science Fairs Shop Talk May 13, 2009

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. Inquiry First, Science Fairs Next! Total Entries vs. winners in top 20% • 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. Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)

5. 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)

6. What do we mean by “Inquiry?”     Sources: http://www.inquiry.uiuc.edu and Llewellyn, Douglas Teaching HS Science through Inquiry NSTA Press 2005.

7. 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)

8. Sustained Student Interest “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 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)

9. 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)

10. What is the TSIP Institute? “Teaching Science through the Inquiry Process” • 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)

11. TSIP Institute“Teaching Science through the Inquiry Process” Field Test hosted by UMASS Boston In Summer 08

12. TSIP History Outgrowth of 2005 Intel ISEF Educator AcademyMass. 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)

13. TSIP Syllabus & Teacher Feedback Exploring a Hands-On TSIP Activity TSIP: Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 by science teacher participants What 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)

14. 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)

15. 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)

16. Projects Focus on Students’ Natural Curiosity

17. Patent Award Winners ! Reducing children’s backpack-related injuries “Dry Mitt” glove to reduce arthritic hand pain Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)

18. 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)

19. Breaking Gender StereotypesIncrease in Female Student Participation Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)

20. 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)

21. Overcoming Obstacles What teachers & schools need to succeed: • Knowledge, Tools & Resources • Time! • Recognition & Encouragement • Support from Administration & Community Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)

22. 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)

23. 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)

24. Inspiring Sustained Student Interest in STEM& Increasing School Participation in Fairs through Inquiry-Based Learning Cora Beth Abel, Executive Director abel@scifair.com Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)