Improving Urban Elementary Science: A Collaborative Approach

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This project will undertake the design of a program to improve students' abilities to think critically, use language, and solve problems using the natural world as an experimental base. Since urban systems face extremely complex problems, the science program is specifically aimed at these systems. Cleveland and San Francisco will collaborate fully in the development effort. Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Boston will provide input and feedback, to insure that the program meets the needs of a number of urban systems operating under a variety of state and local mandates. The project will involve teacher development teams in the design of 24- 36 activity-based modules for grades K-6. In choosing the natural phenomena to be explored, the project will try to balance life, physical, and earth sciences, tying the experiential base to the urban setting where appropriate. The new modules will be informed by teacher review of existing materials; and will integrate science with the rest of the elementary curriculum, particularly language arts and mathematics. Boston College Center for the Study of Testing, Evaluation and Educational Policy will serve as the outside evaluator. Delta Education, Inc. will publish the materials as well as assist in the design and dissemination. Delta will invest approximately $2 M in the project during the 4-year development stage, and continue to provide marketing assistance and teacher development aid following development.