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Now that Science is the Second Indicator, What’s Next?

5/23/2011 10:29:49 AM

“Now that Science is the Second Indicator, What’s Next?

Paula H. Chambers, Ph.D.

“Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. - John F. Kennedy

Many of our teachers never had the opportunity to know John Kennedy as president.  This quotation inspired many teachers and students, and did not refer only to teachers and students, but to nations. 

Georgia is on target to seek the wonders of learning science in its science technology engineering mathematics (STEM) initiative.  Georgia’s Race to the Top application for the STEM initiative requires science as the second indicator for grades 3-8 beginning with the FY 2012 Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Year 2012 is named “hold harmless.”  This very important year will determine if any gaps exist so that additional student support and teacher professional learning will take place.

To determine the role of Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers (GYSTC) in the process of preparing teachers for the CRCT in 2013, it is important to examine a significant amount of information that is now available.  Two main threads are evident. 

1. The first is the power and the efforts of five major public-private partnerships that are harnessing the power of media, interactive games, hands-on learning.

      2.   The second is a teacher who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about both science and teaching. 

An example of the first thread is on the White House web site, “Educate to Innovate.”  (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/educate-innovate),

“Educate to Innovate” encourages us to:

• Increase STEM literacy so that all students can learn deeply and think critically in science, math, engineering, and technology.
• Move American students from the middle of the pack to top in the next decade.
• Expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and girls. 

As part of the “Educate to Innovate” effort, five major public-private partnerships are harnessing the power of media, interactive games, hands-on learning, and community volunteers to reach millions of students over the next four years, inspiring them to be the next generation of inventors and innovators.

• Time-Warner Cable, Discovery Communications, Sesame Street, and other partners will get the message to kids and students about the wonder of invention and discovery.
• National Lab Day will help build communities of support around teachers across the country, culminating in a day of civic participation.
• National STEM design competitions will develop game options to engage kids in scientific inquiry and challenging designs.
• Change the Equation is a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing the business community to improve the quality of STEM education in the United States.
• White House Science Fair.  Middle school student projects represent most cutting edge science, technology and engineering.

The second thread is where GYSTC fits into the equation.  Will you be ready when science becomes an AYP indicator?

GYSTC can help! Attend one of nine statewide Science Boot Camps for teachers. Get grade level specific training in the areas of life, earth, and physical science. Start with a general session on inquiry, standards-based science, and break into grade level groups for hands-on training. Take home lessons that you can use in your classroom when school starts. Attend the follow-up webinar to earn 1 PLU. Participants will also receive resources from the National Science Teachers Association and updates on the next generation National Science Standards.

A teacher who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about both science and teaching is the key. This person makes teaching interesting and relevant by using real world situations in experiments and tying many different disciplines of science together.

We are on track when students count themselves as fortunate that they had teachers who were clearly excited about science. These teachers don’t have to say anything; you can see it in them.  Spiked magazine ran a survey recently asking scientists what inspired them to take up science - the most common response was that they were inspired by teachers or mentors. (http://www.spikedonline.com/index.php?/inspired/article/1480/)

One can never tell when the next amazing scientist says,”The reason why I do what I do is because I was lucky enough to have fantastic science teachers.” 

Teachers, join with GYSTC at one of nine different sites across Georgia to enjoy the opportunity of becoming more confident in your knowledge of “Hands on Science” and much more. Think of this as a way of making science as the second indicator for grades 3-8 beginning with the 2012 AYP as a way to view the wonders of science instead of its terrors.   

Registration for the GYSTC AYP Science Boot Camps is available at:

http://www.contedu.org/professional-development/218-gystc-ayp-science-boot-camps