Summer Science is now in session

Science class is going hands-on and high-tech for this summer for elementary teacher and students in Frankfort, IN.

Science teachers and students from the four elementary schools in Frankfort are participating in a Summer Science Institute that is part of a Science Partnership with Purdue University's College of Science for improving their classroom instruction and develop scientific literacy for all students. The Summer Science Institute will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. June 26 to June 29 at Suncrest Elementary.

Teachers participated in programs the week of June 12 learning about science content, an engaged approach to teaching science in grades K-5, and integrating technology into science instruction. Beginning on June 26, the teachers will have an opportunity to put what they learned into action. Students from Frankfort will work with the teachers from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on a variety of hands-on science content activities. Teachers will use this experience to prepare for teaching science during the 2006-2007 school year and continue professional development during the afternoons.

The Summer Science Institute is part of a three-year Science Partnership between the College of Science K-12 Outreach program and the Community Schools of Frankfort, funded by a $300,000 grant from by the Indiana Department of Education. Bill Walker, Director of College of Science K-12 Outreach, said he is pleased the state recognizes the value of a strong foundation in science education.

"Research and academic standards reflect the growing importance scientific literacy has on our daily lives,” Walker said. "Purdue wants to do all it can to support schools in making science a subject in which students enjoy and excel."

The grant has allowed the Community Schools of Frankfort to invest in scientific equipment for the students to use in class. The partnership allows Frankfort teachers to participate in professional development activities, including:
• Inquiry-based instruction,
• Instruction on how to meet Indiana's Academic Standards for Science,
• Interdisciplinary activities and instruction techniques that address individual student learning needs,
• Activities and information to develop content knowledge and
• Time to create, implement, and assess science lessons.

One of the important metrics for the Science Partnership are the Indiana Science ISTEP passing rates. Comparing fifth-grade science ISTEP+ scores from 2004, before the Science Partnership began, to last year’s, there has been progress. In 2004, 48.5 percent of Frankfort’s fifth graders passed the test. However, in 2005, following the first year of the partnership, 58.3 percent passed.

Related Web sites:
Purdue University College of Science K-12 Outreach: http://www.science.purdue.edu/outreach/