Bridging science from the classroom to the working world by allowing students to “get their hands dirty” is the goal of the It’s About Discovery project, which brings together secondary students and teachers from Ohio and North Carolina to collaborate on a unique approach to learning and teaching science.
Brittany Collier-Gibson, the Ohio coordinator for the project, says the curriculum is about “introducing a new way of teaching students that allows teachers to act as a guide while students form their own ideas.”
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program and works closely with the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS) program in Dearborn, Michigan. Currently, It’s About Discovery involves 14 high school science teachers, 12 from Ohio and two from North Carolina. They are helping their students take part in hands-on science experiments, such as comparing seed growth with or without radiation, with an eye toward sustainability, which is the focus of the curriculum.
Collier-Gibson along with the other leadership team members, Principal Investigator, Dr. Dean Cristol (Ohio State University), Dr. Chris Andersen, co-Principal Investigator (OSU) and Dr. Lynn Sametz, co-Principal Investigator (University of North Carolina at Greensboro), believe that while most educators have long known that kids learn best through hands-on discovery, it is rare that schools take the time for this approach to learning science.
“We’ve known all along that kids learn best through hands-on experiences. This program allows us to put that into place. They’re learning how to really think and be problem solvers, just like in the STEM workforce,” said Collier-Gibson.
Another attribute to the project is encouraging students to pursue STEM careers, and allowing teachers to take part in inquiry based professional development. . Community members, such as scientists, engineers and business people act as mentors, host field trips, advise teachers and students, and engage in on-line conversations in the classroom.
“This really ties in many different people who are STEM professionals. It allows the kids to practice their communication and science skills. The same 21st century skills they will need in the real world,” said Collier-Gibson.
The program started in 2009 and will continue through 2012. The project’s leadership team is preparing the teachers to carry on this work when the funding ends. The leadership team believes that they have prepared a cadre of committed teachers to teach science in this innovative method.