MMSTLC NEWS & EVENTS

BSCS is seeking eighth grade middle school science teachers to field test a standards- and inquiry-based unit between November 2009 and March 2010. The overall goal of the project is to improve learning in science for all students. Teacher-collaborators will choose one major content area from an eighth grade multi-disciplinary science program currently under development (Life Science, Earth/Space Science, Physical Science, or Science and Society) and will teach a unit on that content area to their students. Teacher and student feedback will play a key role in informing the revision of the materials. As a former classroom teacher, I can assure you that BSCS is developing this program with the best approaches to student learning in mind. These approaches are based on current research in learning and teaching for conceptual understanding and include literacy strategies, sense-making strategies, and a constructivist approach to teaching/learning science. Each unit addresses standards that closely align with state and national standards for eighth grade science.

Field testing will begin the second week of November, 2009, and will continue through the end of March, 2010 or until you complete the unit. Selected field test teachers will also be invited to consider field testing the revised materials in the 2010-2011 school year. BSCS will provide additional support for the implementation of the revised materials.

We are excited about working with classroom teachers around the country to develop leadership in teaching multi-disciplinary science. If you are interested in field testing an eighth grade science unit, please visit www.bscs.org/inquiry8 for additional information and to download an application [.pdf].

Submit your application by 15 June 2009 to be given priority status and receive a free gift bag. The final application deadline is 25 September 2009. Please pass on this information to any of your colleagues who might be interested.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you, 

Sue Kowalski
Science Educator, Field Test Coordinator