Next Generation Preschool Science: An Innovative Program to Facilitate Young Children's Learning of Science Practices and Concepts

SRI正在为学前班的教室开发、迭代地改进和评估一门科学课程，其中包括植物生长、物体如何运动和什么产生阴影等单元。该项目与EDC和WGBH合作，将传统的课堂资源（大型和小型小组活动、动手活动、大声朗读）与数字媒体（触摸屏平板电脑、照片和短视频、游戏/模拟）相结合。这种方法的重要性在于，它通过减少所需的资源和承诺，促进在学前教育中实施高质量的科学教学。该项目还为教师提供专业发展资源。项目评估由康科德评估小组进行。该项目的产品由PBS Media发行。该项目采用以证据为中心的设计方法，在头两年进行第一阶段的开发和试点研究，然后在第三年进行第二阶段的实地研究，在加利福尼亚和纽约分别有10个教室，其中一半将用于比较。通过分层随机化过程，从每个班级选出10名学生，对学生的成绩进行更详细的检查。共有8个研究问题，涵盖了项目的三个阶段；发展、实施和可持续性。关于儿童学习的数据收集正在使用该项目开发的科学评估以及儿童的标准化评估。科学学习？科学上的镜头。关于教师的证据？幼儿教师对科学的态度和信念量表（P-TABS）收集信心。此外，该项目还在教师实施课程单元的10个教室进行访谈和观察。

SRI is developing, iteratively refining and evaluating a science curriculum for Pre-K classrooms with units on Plant Growth, How Things Move, and What Makes Shadows. Working with EDC and WGBH, the project is integrating traditional classroom resources (large and small group activities, hands-on activities, read-alouds) with digital media (touch screen tablets, photos and short videos, and games/simulations). The importance of this approach is that it facilitates the implementation of quality science instruction in pre-schools by reducing the resources and commitment needed. The project is also producing professional development resources for teachers. Project evaluation is by the Concord Evaluation Group. The products of the project are being distributed by PBS Media.Using an Evidence Centered Design approach, the project is doing a Phase I development and pilot study during the first two years, followed by a Phase II field study in year 3, with 10 classrooms in California and 10 in New York, half of which will be for comparison purposes. Ten children from each classroom are being selected through a stratified randomization process for a more detailed examination of student outcomes. There are 8 research questions covering the three phases of the project; development, implementation, and sustainability. Data collection on child learning is using the project developed science assessment as well as a standardized assessment of children?s science learning ?LENS on Science.? Evidence on teachers? confidence is being collected with the Preschool Teachers Attitudes and Beliefs about Science scale (P-TABS). In addition, the project is conducting interviews and observations in the 10 classrooms where teachers are implementing the curriculum units.