Enhancement of Secondary Science Laboratory Instruction

该提案描述了一项为期四年的计划，前三年由NSF提供资金，第四年由大学和其他外部来源提供资金。其主要目标是通过将计算机用作分析常规获取的数据或同时获取和分析数据的工具来改进中学科学实验室的教学。计算机的这种双重作用为生物、化学、地球科学和物理等学科的不同技能的获得提供了可信度。将从每所参与学校中挑选两名教师来制定这两种教学模式的策略。此外，我们亦会透过一连串的实地考察和分享会，进一步加强这方面的工作。我们每年会挑选30名有充分准备的教师，参加为期三个星期的暑期工作坊，然后在学年内进行探访和举行会议。将利用原始材料和现有材料开发和改进适当的实验室计算机应用程序。这些应用，包括实施和教学战略，以及讲习班材料，将通过在专业会议上的陈述在全国范围内传播。对课堂中的材料、教学策略和有效性进行持续评估将提高成功的潜力。该项目约28%的费用由伊萨卡学院和参与的学区分担。这将确保该方案在学校的实施和延续到四年级。正在为第四年寻求额外的私人来源资金，但已包括足够的承诺，以按书面规定为该项目提供资金。

This proposal describes a four-year program with the first three years funded by NSF and the fourth funded by the University and other outside sources. The primary objective is to improve instruction in secondary school science laboratories by using the computer as a tool either to analyze conventionally acquired data or to both acquire and then analyze data. This dual role for the computer lends credibility to the acquisition of different skills in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. Two teachers from each participating school will be selected to develop the strategies in each of these two instructional modes. This will be further enhanced by a series of school-site visits and sharing conferences.Each year, 30 well-prepared teachers will be selected to attend a three-week summer workshop, followed by the visits and conferences during the school year. Appropriate laboratory computer applications will be developed and refined, using both original and existing materials. The applications, including implementation and teaching strategies, as well as the workshop materials, will be disseminated nationally through presentations at professional meetings. An ongoing evaluation of materials, instructional strategies and effectiveness in the classroom will enhance the potential for success. About 28% of the cost of this project is being shared by Ithaca College and the participating school districts. This will insure the implementation of the program in the schools and the continuation into year four. Additional private source funding is being sought for year four, but sufficient commitment is included to provide for the project as written.