September 30, 2005
Purdue brings 'elementary' science class to Frankfort, Shelbyville
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Science is going high-tech and hands-on for elementary students in Frankfort.
Science teachers from the four elementary schools in Frankfort will participate in Purdue University's College of Science workshop on improving their classroom instruction and developing scientific literacy for all students. The workshop will take place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12-13 at Suncrest and South Side elementary schools. At the workshop, teachers will participate in science experiments using a variety of techniques and scientific instruments that they will later use in class.
The workshop is part of a three-year science partnership between the College of Science K-12 Outreach program and the Community Schools of Frankfort. It is funded by a $300,000 grant from by the Indiana Department of Education.
Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue vice provost for engagement, said he is pleased the state recognizes the value of a strong foundation in science education.
"Research shows that schools that encourage students to master math and science have a direct, positive effect on economic development," Lechtenberg said. "Purdue wants to do all it can to support schools in making science a subject students enjoy and in which they excel."
The grant allowed the Community Schools of Frankfort to invest in scientific a two-week summer workshop in which the Frankfort teachers participated in professional development activities, including:
• Inquiry-based instruction
• Meeting Indiana's academic standards for science
• Interdisciplinary activities and instruction techniques that address individual student learning needs
• Activities and information to develop content knowledge and
• Time to create, implement and assess science lessons.
During the second week of the summer training, the teachers tested their new techniques with approximately 100 Frankfort elementary students who attended the Frankfort Community Science Investigators summer science camp. Teachers will use feedback from the campers to modify their inquiry-based curricula during the school year.
William S. Walker, College of Science K-12 Outreach director, said outreach coordinators will make weekly visits to Frankfort and conduct four follow-up sessions during the year.
"We want to measure both the changes in instruction techniques and how well the students grasp scientific principles," Walker said. "By videotaping the instruction and making these visits, we can document how this outreach is making a difference in the classroom."
Kelli Freeman, South Side Elementary first grade teacher, said she can notice a change after just a few weeks of school.
"I think that the program we are doing with Purdue is really helpful," Freeman said. "It has given me some great ideas and activities that are very practical to use in my classroom. Inquiry science can be so much fun and really meets some of those first grade-science process standards."
The College of Science K-12 Outreach Coordinators also are working with 75 elementary and middle school teachers at Shelbyville Central Schools. The teachers will participate in three workshops on inquiry-based instruction. The workshops, funded by Shelbyville Central, will take place from 8:30-11 a.m. Oct. 6 at Coulston Elementary, Oct. 11 at Loper Elementary and Oct. 18 at Hendricks Elementary. The teachers will work with Science K-12 Outreach Coordinators on science activities and develop standards-based science lessons that they will later conduct in class.
Betsy Larrabee, Shelbyville Central Schools coordinator for the gifted and talented and Title I programs, said teachers in Shelbyville are eager to share this new approach to science instruction.
"The outreach team met with every one of our elementary school teachers early in the school year," Larrabee said. "You could hear the excitement in their voices. We appreciate the opportunity to work so closely with Purdue."
Walker said a relationship between Purdue Science Outreach and Shelbyville Central Schools has been growing for two years.
"We are very excited to be working with Shelbyville Central Schools," said Walker. "The teachers are making changes that are helping students actively learn science."
The College of Science K-12 Outreach program was initiated in 1989 to collaborate with students and teachers to increase interest and achievement in science and mathematics at the pre-college level. Since its inception, the program has reached more than 6,000 teachers and 550,000 students by traveling to Indiana schools with workshops, demonstrations, programs, laboratory equipment, and other activities aimed at the improvement of science and mathematics education.
Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: William S. Walker, (765) 494-5890, wswalker@purdue.edu
Victor L. Lechtenberg, (765) 494-9095, vll@purdue.edu
Kelli Freeman, (765) 654-6021, freemank@Frankfort.k12.in.us
Betsy Larrabee, (317) 398-9725, ext. 1613, bjlarrabee@shelbycs.k12.in.us
Related Web sites:
Purdue University Office of Engagement
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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