Development of Hands-On, Inquiry-Based Instruction in Secondary School Biology

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This purpose of this project is to produce a cadre of 96 exemplary high school biology teachers for a cluster of urban, minority school districts. Through a four week summer workshop, six Saturday sessions and two classroom visits by university personnel, these teachers will acquire 1) a strong knowledge and laboratory skills base in cell and molecular biology and in industrial and environmental microbiology; 2) an understanding of science process; 3) training in innovative instructional methods and curriculum design for teaching biology; and 4) a greater understanding of the barriers to achievement in biology faced by urban, minority students. It is proposed that the teachers engage in a guided research experience during the summer workshop and in their classrooms. It is also proposed that the teachers will develop and use new curricular materials that will foster student interest in biological sciences careers and prepare students to pursue a college major leading toward such a career. The curricular materials will also be made available for replication in other districts. Cost sharing equals 11.2 % of the NSF award.