P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School
College of Education, University of Florida
Presents

Research in Action: Let’s Talk Science! 
A Standards-Driven, Inquiry-Based Approach to Elementary Science

Available Dates for 2007-2008: 

March 25         P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, Gainesville

April 22           Lake Butler Elementary School, Union County

May 1              P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, Gainesville     

Time:              9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost:               $50 per team member (includes lunch & materials)

Florida is preparing to implement new science standards and has added the FCAT Science test to the school report card.  However, elementary teachers are typically underprepared to teach science and tend to be uncomfortable with both the pedagogy and the content.  In June 2007, P.K. Yonge DRS, UF COE, and Union County School District were awarded a one-year FLDOE Math Science Partnership grant to develop immersion training modules to increase elementary teachers’ science content knowledge and support implementation of an inquiry-based approach to science teaching.

You are invited to identify a school-based leadership team comprised of cross-grade level elementary teachers and school administrators to spend a day observing inquiry-based, standards-driven science lessons in elementary classrooms at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School.  The morning begins with an overview of P.K. Yonge’s elementary science reform process and immersion in the basic essentials of an inquiry-based science experience led by a LeTaS! project leader.  During the afternoon, teachers will observe three to four elementary science lessons. Participants’ preparation, observations, notetaking, and discussions will focus on the essential elements of an inquiry-based approach to science instruction that deepens student learning of essential, grade-level, standards-based science concepts.

Orientation to the day begins in the PKY Community Room (or LBES library on April 22).  Observation protocols and note taking sheets will be provided.  Participants are invited to read a short article about inquiry-based science instruction to prepare themselves for their Research in Action visit. Debriefing sessions will take place with the host teachers after school from 3:00-4:00. Afternoon discussions will center on connections made between the reading, the morning immersion experience, what was observed in classrooms, and current teaching practices.  

Requirements for participation in this experience:

• Teacher leaders from each grade level must participate together on the same day
• The principal must attend with the school-based team

Possible Follow-Up:

Support will be provided to school teams to develop follow-up plans to support changes in teaching practice.  Successful models for professional development and leadership support for instructional reform will be shared to facilitate the school-based planning process.

For more information or to register your team contact: 
Dr. Lynda Hayes
P.K. Yonge Director of Research & Outreach
lhayes@pky.ufl.edu

 

REGISTRATION

In order to register, please choose ONE of the following:

1) Download our PDF, fill in the blank form fields, save, and then email the PDF to: sullivan@pky.ufl.edu

If you are having trouble saving the document, please make sure that you click on the save button on the Adobe toolbar and NOT through your browser.

2) Click on this link to submit the form online.