Middle School Life Science Education Partnership — Phase I

Abstract

Scientists associated with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center and professionals within the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) School of Education will establish a collaborative relationship with several Milwaukee metropolitan schools. The long-range objective is to develop a significant program to enhance the quality of the curriculum and instruction for students enrolled in middle school life science.

There are two primary thrusts. The first involves the creation of a number of experiment modules that relate to the biomedical content of the course and which are designed to stimulate inquiry-based learning. At their center is the utilization of non-mammalian organisms in the classroom. Enrichment is provided with interactive videotape/CD-ROM materials that engage students with subject matter that cannot be brought into their classrooms.

The second emphasis provides in-service teachers with a network of support that increases their knowledge understanding and ability to conduct laboratory experiments. It also offers pre-service teachers in training an opportunity to develop a strong foundation in life science.

The specific aims are to:

• Provide teachers with a suite of fully developed modules that emphasize hands-on modern biomedical science
• Surround the modules with support materials that utilize information technology
• Provide a scientific community for teachers through workshops and meetings
• Enhance the ability of teachers to facilitate critical thinking among students
• Support teachers in distance learning including interactions with scientists teachers and inter-classroom communication
• Encourage female and minority interest and success in science
• Initiate a model program to enhance life science education for pre-service teachers
• Provide thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of these aims

Additional Information

This project will promote inquiry-based learning of life science concepts in metropolitan Milwaukee’s middle schools by developing 11 instructional modules that utilize the study of non-mammalian organisms in the classroom. The project will also offer to pre-service teachers an opportunity to develop a strong foundation in life science.