This research investigated 20 middle and high school teachers' use of project-based learning curriculum after engaging in a 115-hour professional development program that was developed collaboratively with medical school and education faculty. The project-based learning (PBL) unit centered on the case of Marcus Brown (a pseudonym), a high school…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a constructivist method of instruction aligned with the science educational reform movement to increase scientific literacy for all Americans. As such, PBL instruction is an increasingly popular topic for professional development workshops offered to teachers in secondary learning environments. This research…

Current science assessments typically present a series of isolated fact-based questions, poorly representing the complexity of how real-world science is constructed. The National Research Council asserts that this needs to change to reflect a more authentic model of science practice. We strongly concur and suggest that good science assessments…