GK-12 Fellowships to Enhance Science Education in Oregon Schools

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Oregon State University in collaboration with 9 schools in 3 school districts (a large city setting, a University town setting and a dispersed rural setting) placed 14 K-12 Fellows in the system to facilitate the development of active science learning. The Fellows are derived from a variety of disciplines that include Molecular and Cellular Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering and Bioresource Engineering. The Fellows are called "Adopted Scientists" in grades K-6 and "Teaching Assistants" in grades 7-12. They spend 6 months in the schools and 3 months in extended outreach activities. This program will develop active science and mathematics learning through the use of 5 themes: (1) Inquiry-based Learning; (2) Communication of Content; (3) Use of Appropriate Learning Styles; (4) Use of Technology; and (5) The Research Paradigm. During the initial tenure (summer), Fellows take 4 courses specifically designed for them by the Science and Mathematics Education Department (SMED). In cooperation with the school district teachers, the Fellows attend a 2-day workshop. A weekly seminar series is organized to facilitate in-class activities. Teachers from the school districts join the Fellows in the workshops at weekly meetings. An aggressive performance assessment of the Fellows' in-class activities, extended outreach activities, and impact of the program is adequately detailed.