Bundaberg's Florida visitors host maths and science workshops
Published on 24 July, 2006
Recent workshops at CQU Bundaberg by a team of science educators from Florida State University introduced teachers and pre-service teachers to Great Explorations in Mathematics and Science (GEMS).
Funded by the National Science Foundation of America, the team consisted of Dr Ellen Granger, Todd Bevis and Robin Smith, who were accompanied by 2 middle school teachers and a team of science graduate students.
During the 2 days of workshops in July, Dr Granger’s team worked with about 100 teachers and teachers-to-be.
They engaged with a range of investigations from the GEMS program that support the major themes of our current science curriculum initiatives, that is, working scientifically and scientific literacy.
The GEMS focus suggests that, 'as citizens of the future, all of our students need to acquire modern scientific literacy to make intelligent and informed decisions'.
The GEMS program provides key content in earth, physical, and life science, particularly suited for providing students with essential experiences in inquiry.
The approach in the GEMS program provides strong curricular support for science education with an emphasis on assessment and accountability.
Studies and evaluations indicate that the GEMS program improves student and teacher understanding and practice of inquiry.
It fosters positive attitudes and motivation of students and teachers in science and mathematics.
Participants actively investigated science concepts with an approach designed to build knowledge of the Nature of Science and approaches to working scientifically. The GEMS program provides a range of investigations over a range of year levels and includes Mystery Festival, River Cutters and Bubble Festival.
A significant aspect of the workshops was a development of inquiry skills using dry ice.
These investigations enhanced the process of learning for understanding and the processes of observation, inference, prediction and controlling variables. Other sessions included Crime Lab Chemistry, Sifting through science, Liquid Exploration and Oobleck: What do scientists do?.
Further information about the GEMS program is available from: gems@Berkeley.edu .
Details about Dr. Granger’s program that pairs science graduate students with primary school teachers is available from www.bio.fsu.edu/osta/ .