Scientists in Residence The University of Oregon GK-12 Science Outreach Project Presenters: Principal Investigator: Dean Livelybrooks, University of Oregon Physics Graduate Fellows: Charlie Swor, Chemistry; Rick Glover, Chemistry Project Director: Anae Rosenberg, Materials Science Institute Collaborator: Bryn Browning, Hermiston School District November 13, 2009

“A student who normally would not be interested in science but gets stimulated by a better teacher or more exposure to a lab, or a scientist who gets the funding for new research, is potentially the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. They create good jobs for years. Perhaps more bridges can bail us out of a depression, but only more Bills and Steves can bail us into prosperity.” – Thomas Friedman, NY Times, Jan. 11, 2009

UO GK-12 History Funded by NSF in graduate students (total 128 student years). Outreach into 50 schools in Lane, High Desert, Umatilla-Morrow ESDs. Professional Development to more than 200 teachers.

How the UO GK-12 Project Works PhD students work in schools for 3 2-week periods per year. GK-12 Fellows co-teach science kits with classroom teachers. Teachers handle classroom management. Fellows deliver professional development, introducing inquiry and use of science kits. Kits are stocked and stored at ESD Science Materials Center.

Impacts of GK-12 Project Better informed, more involved PhD scientists. Teachers with increased confidence and ability teaching inquiry science. 1000s of kids who’ve interacted with scientists in their classrooms. Stronger partnerships between University scientists and K-12 educators.

Science Kit Curricula Inquiry driven, science like scientists work. Developed nationally to meet all science content standards. Articulated grades K-8. Ready to use lessons in life, earth, physical science, and technology.

Science Kit Curricula Proven Results: – Washington LASER Study: “These results strongly support the assertion that the more inquiry-based instruction students experience the more likely they are to meet the science standards” – Wisconsin Einstein Project: Using FOSS/STC kit curricula “helps to close the achievement gap for students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, and minority students.” – NW Pennsylvania Asset Project achievements: Participating students outperformed their peers throughout the US and around the world on 4 th and 7 th grade science tests. 5 th graders who were taught using hands-on science kits scored as well as 7 th graders in high performing countries.

Benefits of a Science Consortium Takes advantage of ESD cooperative purchasing and economies of scale. Kits are refurbished centrally and arrive in classrooms ready to use. Reduces the number of kits needed by factor of 3.

Challenges to Exemplary Science Classroom time and prep time for science. On-going professional development. Alignment with current standards and testing. Reading/Math integration.

Questions for the You. What would it take to get a project like this going in your area? What do you see as the barriers?