Goals & Objectives

• Form partnerships involving research faculty, Fellows, BVSD science coordinators, and GK-12 teachers to adapt and implement each of the five FOSS modules identified.
Research faculty will mentor the Fellows during the academic year, and direct research projects in summer that will engage the Fellows, GK-12 Teachers, and some GK-12 students (especially underrepresented minorities). Faculty and Fellows will also partner with high school freshmen and sophomores (preferably in summer) on research projects to encourage more students to enroll in BVSD's Science Research Methods class for juniors and seniors.

• Organize workshops to train Fellows for the K-12 teaching experience, to enhance interactions between GK-12 Teachers and the Fellows, and to provide FOSS training to Fellows and Teachers
Workshops will focus on pedagogy, content-rich knowledge, technology to provide active learning experiences, and grant writing skills. Fellows and Teachers will be encouraged to submit grants to local and state agencies to keep the project alive after NSF funding ceases.

• Expedite the implementation of national, state, and BVSD science standards in grades 6-10, and integrate literacy and math skills into science education
FOSS middle school modules "are consistent with the spirit and intent of the National Science Education Standards concerning inquiry and depth of understanding." The five FOSS modules that we have selected address science standards for grades 6-8. FOSS modules integrate activities requiring the use of literacy and math skills to understand and experience science explorations. For grade 9, we propose to develop a module "Thalidomide" on introductory organic chemistry to enrich the macroscopic-microscopic connection and introduce molecular modeling exercises. This experience will prepare students for 10th grade biology to understand "how simple molecules can be built into larger organic molecules within living organisms in processes (e.g., protein synthesis, photosynthesis, and chemosynthesis)" (BVSD Science Standard 3.1). For grade 10, we propose to develop a module "DNA Fingerprinting" that unravels the science behind a common forensics tool in the courtroom.

• Maximize the impact of FOSS modules
FOSS modules implement inquiry-based, hands-on science activities and present science in a real-world context with an environmental emphasis. They include a variety of activities that address the needs of students with different learning styles. CU-Boulder Fellows working with faculty and GK-12 Teachers will enhance the content of the modules using their research experiences and familiarity with multimedia. Sombrero Marsh activities will be developed by extending/modifying the FOSS curriculum presented in the classroom. The innovations and modifications will be disseminated via the Web.

• Engage underrepresented Fellows as role models of successful scientists
The targeted audience for our program is 6-10th grades in BVSD schools that performed poorly on the recent Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests and have a significant number of underrepresented minority students. Since Hispanic students are in the majority among the latter group, worksheets will be translated into Spanish.

• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the project periodically
FOSS modules have several evaluation and assessment activities for students. We will periodically monitor the progress of the students especially during the first year of the project. CSAP science test performance by 8th graders will also be critically evaluated. Modifications will be implemented as necessary.

• Increase awareness at large research universities of the benefits of engaging graduate students in K-12 science education and of the need to provide opportunities for high school teachers to stay current in science content and pedagogy