Enhancing Active-Learning Activities in the Middle- and High-School Science Classroom -Development of Comprehensive, Technology-Rich Science Modules

The Science House at UWM is a collaborative initiative of the natural science departments to support in-service teachers in their effort to enhance student learning through hands-on active learning activities in the 6-12th grade classroom. Increasing class sizes, a very diverse student body, changing student performance standards, and lack of available equipment has made it very difficult for some districts to include active–learning activities in their science classrooms. This project describes the development of a variety of active-learning modules each designed to address multiple science concepts, four different levels of scientific inquiry, from procedural to exploratory, and also different levels of cognitive complexity. Additionally, each module discusses possible student misconceptions and needed prior knowledge. Connections to current national performance standards (NGSS) and suggestions for assessment strategies will also be included. The design process of the science modules has to follow a strict methodology based on latest science education research. Starting with a basic idea for a science experiment, each component of the lab (objective, background information, procedure, observation, data collection, analysis, and results) has to be “dissected’ into smaller conceptual components, onto which the four different module levels will be based. It is important to note that all four modules discuss the same “big idea”, scaffolding the level of inquiry and concept complexity. The poster will include detailed examples of this process. As part of the design process, the modules will be tested in the laboratory on scientific accuracy and quality of instruction depending on the targeted grade level. Collaborating school districts will be able to implement these modules into their science classrooms with content and technical support of UWM natural science faculty. The lab equipment, including laptops and analytical laboratory probes will be available for lending. This project is expected to have a significant impact on student learning of natural science concepts in surrounding school district