An overview of the GPS Phase III efforts for the coming year

1. Greater Proficiency in
Science
Phase III: Focusing on Inquiry

2. What is the program?

3. What is the program?
• Present a model for interdisciplinary outreach to
K-12 education for STEM Faculty
• Explain the various considerations of ItS as an
“umbrella program” that could support multiple
groups within the University and K12.
• Provide background on the Investigate the State
program and how it can support a wide variety
of educational outreach for STEM fields

4. What we’ve done so far...

5. What we’ve done so far...
ORIGINAL GPS GROUP (2008)
• Started with 3rd - 7th grade teachers
• Initial focus on reviewing data to determine gaps in
student achievement
• A traditional “lesson study” approach was used to
develop new lessons on critical topics
• Incorporated technology to support instruction

6. What we’ve done so far...

7. What we’ve done so far...
GPS Expansion (2009) - INVESTIGATE THE STATE
• 8-9th grade teachers
• Focus was on beginning to use inquiry practices
by starting with existing inquiry curriculum units on
water quality and air quality
• “Modified lesson study” using videocameras to
collaborate on improving/modifying lessons
• Incorporated technology to support instruction

8. GPS - PHASE III
2010-2011 School Year

9. WHO...

10. WHO...
• 3rd-9th grade teachers
• Past teachers have priority, then new teachers
• Teachers from the previous Math/Science
Centers(Eastern UP, Seaborg, DIISD, and
Northwoods)
• Teachers from the Great Lakes M/S Center
(CharEm ISD and COP ESD)
• First come, first served - check with your M/S Center

11. WHERE...

12. WHERE...
• First session split into East and West sites
• Most workshops will take place at M/S Centers
(either “live” with facilitators or via ITV)
• Intermediate small group meetings via ITV, at schools,
or at your local M/S Center
• Summer Wrap-Up session at one site
• Much of the “collaboration” and “work” takes place
online through the project’s Moodle site

13. WHEN...

14. WHEN...
• Introductory workshop for new teachers (only) in late
September 2010
• Kickoff large group workshops in early fall 2010
• Four other workshops spread during the school year
- dates will be announced in late August
• Final conference gathering in June (after school year)
• Work group activities are scheduled by each group

15. WHAT...

16. The Science

17. The Science
• Focus: INQUIRY SKILLS AND
PROJECT BASED SCIENCE
• Will vary by grade level and
subject
• Based on the most challenging
topics as reflected through
student achievement and the SEC
• Will receive support from content
experts

18. Inquiry Units and Projects

19. Inquiry Units and Projects
• Goal: Develop and use an inquiry-
based curriculum unit that
addresses the problematic skills
and content for your students.
• Incorporate assessment practices
and problem science concepts
into the lesson activities
• Develop your formative
assessment skills and practices

20. Technology Integration

21. Technology Integration
• Focus on using technology to
support teaching, assessment /
reflection, and student learning
• New participants will receive tools
to support their participation in the
process
• Sessions will have a specific
technology focus, along with online
supports

22. HOW...

23. Lesson Study and Video Reflection

24. Lesson Study and Video Reflection
• Collaborate with other teachers,
facilitators, and content experts
• Video records of your instruction
and student efforts will guide
reflection
• Data and other assessments will
help you evaluate progress toward
learning goals

25. The fruits of our labors...
A Network of
Professional
Educators with
Common Goals
and Experiences

26. The fruits of our labors...
A set of
technology
resources for
teacher and
student use

27. The fruits of our labors...
Assessment
practices and
data to guide
decisions about
instruction

28. The fruits of our labors...
A variety of
“tested” inquiry
curriculum units
and resources
ready to use

29. The fruits of our labors...
Kids get an
authentic
understanding of
(and appreciation
for) science

30. WHAT...