Project G.R.O.W.: A Scientist-Science Teacher Partnership that Supports Meaningful Learning

Y

7

Scientists; Science Teachers; College Faculty; High School Teachers; Partnerships in Education; Secondary School Science; Science Instruction; Scientific Research; Science Education; Educational Improvement; Ecology; High School Students; STEM Education; Educational Benefits

0036-8555

Bringing scientific research into the classroom is often a goal of science teachers. The notion of having students engaged in authentic practices of science underlies the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) and is foundational to the "Framework for K-12 Science Education." The overarching goal of scientist-teacher collaborations is the improvement of PK-16 science education; the specific goal of this project was to have students engaged in meaningful, "real" science as a way to learn about ecological principles. The mechanics of having that happen, however, required careful planning and a strong partnership. This article describes a successful effort by a college biology professor, college science education professor, and high school science teacher to bring science into the high school classroom. The authors discuss the steps in assembling a meaningful and productive long-term partnership that can transform the experience of science for high school students, make "real" science more accessible for teachers, and provide meaningful outreach for college professors. At the end, the authors share a link to data and classroom materials developed by the collaboration.

ERIC

2020

EJ1269607