1. Implementation of District- Wide Middle School Student Research Projects A Three Year Plan to Build Inquiry Skills and Create Sustained Vertical Articulation in Science Inquiry

2. Mission Statement We believe that all students should engage in science learning in a meaningful and authentic way…they should do the work that scientists do. Strategies to engage students in open-inquiry include investigating their own research questions, communicating findings to others, and critiquing the work of peers. Through developing and answering their own questions, working with mentors, and sharing findings, students will become scientifically literate, and build excitement and curiosity about science. Intel Educator Academy 2012

3. Goals 1. Every middle school child will conduct an open-inquiry research project by the end of grade 8, with possible entry into regional science fair. 2. Create an on-going system of curriculum development and review with a with a vertical articulation around the topic of science inquiry 3. Foster and support on-going district-wide professional development experiences around implementing inquiry-based science experiences. 4. Integrate inquiry-based research experiences into curriculum so that they becomes a way of thinking about middle school science 5. Form partnerships to provide students with research mentors (possibly high school mentors, UML pre-service teachers) Intel Educator Academy 2012

4. Obstacles Building a positive environment for this work considering work conditions. Finding financial support the iniative. Adopting a common instructional philosophy around inquiry-based science. Creating opportunities for middle school teachers to collaborate and share ideas. Intel Educator Academy 2012

5. Action #1: Every middle school child will do an open-inquiry research project by the end of grade 8, with possible entry into regional science fair. ObjectivesActionEvaluation of Success ResponsibleTime Frame All middle school students will successfully design, conduct, and present a scientific research project based on a question of personal interest. Meet with the invested parties to determine the current and future needs of West Middle School science fair practices  Create an investigatory team at Wood Hill and Doherty Middle Schools to examine the needs associated with developing a science fair.  Identify, develop, and utilize resources for conducting scientific research Completed document outlining the curricular, instructional, and financial needs in order to fully sustain the science fair at West Middle School.  District-wide cross- curricular middle school team is established and immediate needs of extending a science fair are identified Successful completion of research projects by all students by 8 th grade. Participation in regional science fair by students from each middle school. Middle school science teachers Science curriculum council MSSEF staff Science Program Advisor Volunteer teaching staff dedicated to the process September 2012 – June 2014

6. Action Plan Goal #2: Curriculum Development Review ObjectivesActionEvaluation of Success ResponsibleTime Frame Create an on-going system for science curriculum development and review. Establish science curriculum councils Examine current K – 12 curriculum for evidence of inquiry Develop a curricula scope and sequence for grades 6 – 8 addressing standards (content) and inquiry (instruction) Completion of analysis of the current curriculum Grade level specific units of study are identified and inquiry strategies are integrated into the curriculum Assistant Superintendent for curriculum & instruction Building level principals Science program advisor Grade level teachers September 2012 – June 2014 Intel Educator Academy 2012

7. Action Plan Goal #3: Foster and support on-going district-wide professional development experiences around implementing inquiry-based science experiences ObjectivesActionEvaluation of Success ResponsibleTime Frame Increase number of professional development experiences in inquiry-based instruction for all teachers Implement 4 day-long workshop experiences offer in- class coaching for inquiry-based instruction Encourage teacher-led staff development options Teacher feedback, in- class observations, student- created research projects Asst. Supt., Science Program Advisor, UML Faculty, Principals, Teachers Septembe r 2012 – June 2013 Intel Educator Academy 2012

8. Action Plan Goal #4: Integrate Inquiry-based science into current curriculum units ObjectivesActionEvaluation of Success ResponsibleTime Frame Middle school science teachers integrate inquiry- based research into one unit Develop of least one significant inquiry component into each unit of study at each grade level Examples of teacher curriculum units and student work demonstrating use of inquiry Middle school science teachers Science Curriculum Council PD instructor Science Program Advisor January 2013 – June 2014 Intel Educator Academy 2012

9. Action Plan Goal #5: Form Partnerships With Mentors ObjectivesActionEvaluation of Success ResponsibleTime Frame Foster mentors for student research projects Contact local science and technology companies Ask for help from parents in the STEM fields Develop a plan to have UML secondary science students mentor students Investigate the potential for utilizing seniors as mentors Provide mentor training Creation of Andover research mentoring network Assistant Superintendent, Science Program Advisor, Principals, UML Liaison January 2013 – June 2014 Intel Educator Academy 2012