Science and Math Links: Research Based Teaching Institute

Hin DoanPujan Shrestha

Introduction• Science and scientists are

negatively portrayed in modern society.

• Science is often seen as a hard and boring subject while scientists are considered weird, ugly and lonely.

• Science stereotypes lead to lack of interest towards

science subjects a lack of scientists in our

growing workforce. • There needs to be a change

of perception towards science.

• Hands on and Inquiry based teaching methods help dispel popular stereotypes against science.

• These types of teaching methods have been proven to increase performance and keep students interested. (Scientific Inquiry: Improved Learning, 2006)

Science Institute for Teachers

60 local teachers participatedFaculty developed lesson plans for hands on and inquiry based activities, linked to the Virginia SOL’s, and introduced them to the teachers.Teacher resources are postedon The new Science Teacherwebsite.

Teachers went to a local governor school for the SEMWOW program.Science Institute provided the teachers with a stipend and materials for the lesson plans.Teachers and their students were asked to fill out a pre- and a post- survey.

Jubilee Summer CampFour of the teachers from the institute volunteered at the Jubilee Family Development Center Summer Science Camp.Participating children filled out a survey and then took the DAST test

Teachers developed and supervised the activities for Jubilee. Each day’s activity was introduced by a presentation from college faculty.Children participated different activities each day: Bugs Bug Habitats Five Senses Rocks Force and Motion

DAST!!Element of Mystique Working Alone

Magical PotionsElement of Danger

Glasses, Wacky hair, White lab coat

Not Attractive

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SurveysStudy the influence of Jubilee Science Camp on the children.

Learn boys and girls’ different perception of their abilities to study science

Results from surveys:Students’ interests rose by 20%They are 30% more likely to continue science 7 students like physics compared to 0 pre-test.

Survey resultsStudents’ opinions on their abilities after Jubilee

Boys do not expect to work hard for good results, while girls expect to work extra hard for their desired result.

Teachers’ opinion on classroom’s gender discrimination:30% teachers experienced discrimination as students.18% witnessed discrimination in their classrooms.30% have used different methods to avoid discrimination.

Limitations and recommendations

Time constraints affected DAST post-test.

Recommendations:Ask for names for future surveysConsider the age factor for teachers’ surveys

ConclusionThe Science Institute for teachers and the Jubilee was successful.The children loved the Jubilee Science Summer camp.The Summer Camp left a positive impression on the students. Student researchers were able to understand the different mindset that boys and girls held towards science.

More analysis of the data needs to be done in the future.

AcknowledgementsState Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV)

Randolph College

References Cited“Challenges New Science Teachers Face.” Review of Educational Research 76.4 (2006) : 607-651.“Scientific Inquiry: Improved Learning.” Academic Exchange Quarterly (2009) : n. pag. Print.“Rethinking the Content of Physics Courses.” Physics Today 59.2 (2006) : 31-36.