Helping Science Teachers Teach Science-Taking Successful Strategies Back to the Classroom

During a session of the Science Leadership Program, Master Teacher Alphonso Ramirez demonstrates how sound can be modulated. The demonstration will later be duplicated by the teachers - and their students.

One hundred science teachers will return to their elementary classes this term with improved knowledge about teaching, especially about incorporating mathematics and technology into the science curriculum.

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) teachers themselves went to summer school, attending special sessions designed to help teachers learn new strategies that promote science and math. The Baylor College of Medicine Science Leadership Program is part of a larger effort known as HU-LINC, Houston Urban Learning Initiatives in a Networked Community, with the goal of reforming science education in HISD.

HU-LINC is funded by the National Science Foundation Urban Systemic Initiative Program and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Eisenhower Grants Programs. Rice University's Center for Teaching and Learning provides lap top computers to the lead science teachers.

"In the past, science has not been a priority in elementary schools," says Dr. Nancy Moreno, assistant professor in Baylor's Center for Educational Outreach. "Many teachers were uncomfortable teaching math, science and technology. But, we know these subjects are the basis of jobs in the future, and we must help students prepare for these types of opportunities."

This summer, the 100 teachers participated in one of two two-week sessions conducted by Baylor faculty and staff, local science educators, experts in technology and experienced Master Teachers in HISD. The teachers represented 47 of HISD's 177 elementary schools; the program is in its first of three years.

HU-LINC's goal is having a lead teacher for every 300 students; there are 116,000 elementary school students in HISD.

In the sessions, the teachers learn strategies in teaching science that promote their students' interest and learning of concepts that develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. With guest speakers and work in laboratory settings, the teachers also learn ways of applying technology to their students' basic science curriculum.

During a recent session, Master Teacher Alphonso Ramirez demonstrated how sound can be altered in a reed instrument - he used an ordinary plastic straw - by simply snipping off small pieces of the straw. The "student" teachers then practiced the technique themselves. Clearly, this was a kind of instruction which would be very appropriate for elementary school science students.

Strategies in teaching science that promote their students' interest.

"This is very exciting," says Dr. Moreno. "It is inquiry-based study, which is very appropriate for students. In the laboratory settings, and with the help of the Master Teachers, the teachers learn how to teach by doing, which is what they will take back to their classrooms. In their schools, these teachers will be the science education leaders."

The Science Leadership Program also provides professional development to elementary science teachers throughout the year.

-- ROGER WIDMEYER

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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