Overview
In
June, 2006, teaching professionals from Bartholomew
Consolidated School Corporation, Inidiana University
Purdue University Columbus and Purdue University College
of Technology began a three year initiative focused
on K-6 Science instruction. Supported by funds from
an Indiana Department of Education MSP (Math Science
Program) Inquiry-Based Science Grant, BCSC identified
Science Mentors representing all K-6 buildings to
work on the project. The IDOE grants were made possible
by block grants to states from the national Science
Foundation. After a week of inquiry-based work with
Lego robots, the Science Mentors met and collaboratively
designed integrated Science units for each grade level.
Inquiry
Focus Studies (Thematic Units)
The
curricular units were based on several key concepts;
- Embracing
learning through student inquiry is a fundamental
best practice for all content areas (Discussion
of Inquiry Models of Teaching);
- Integrated
learning fostered by topical focus studies (thematic
units) supports critical thinking and enhances
students' problem-solving abilities;
- Classrooms
where student choice and student voice are honored
demonstrate that multiple ways of knowing are
valued;
- Curriculum
design is best achieved through critical conversations
by teachers about curriculum and pedagogy;
- Strategies
(reading, writing, problem-solving) are tools
students acquire through explicit instruction
so that they can conduct inquireies and communicate
with others about their work.
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Welcome!
Science
Mentor Project Kit Resources
Kit
Reservation Procedure
The Center for Teaching
& Learning houses the project kits developed by
year #1 science mentors in the Curriculum Resource
Lab. These kits are available for approved science
mentors on a reservation/check-out basis.
Science
Mentor Instructors
This is a list of the
current science mentor instructors and the school
they are associated with. If you are a K-6 teacher
in the BCSC system and are interested in using a Science
Mentor Project Kit please click on the above link
to find out who the Science Mentor is at your school.
Grade
Level Units
| Kindergarten |
Clouds
and Storms |
| 1st
Grade |
Sun,
Moon and Stars |
| 2nd
Grade |
The
Sounds of Music |
| 3rd
Grade |
K'NEXing
to Each Other (Simple Machines) |
| 4th
Grade |
Plants |
| 5th
Grade |
Survival
(Weather, Plants, Body Systems)
Book Study: The Zebra Wall (Body Systems, Weather) |
| 6th
Grade |
Water
Cycle |
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