This paper tries to present a careful analysis of current trends and challenges to importing Japanese model of teachers' professional development. The objective is to examine what "we" can learn from Japanese approach to improving instruction, especially "Jugyou Kenkyu" (Lesson Study) as a collaborative research on the…

This teacher's guide is based on "DragonflyTV" investigations which focus on real kids doing inquiry-based science investigations. Activities include: (1) "Investigation To Explore Skateboards"; (2) "Investigations To Explore Otters"; and (3) "Investigations To Explore Waterslides." (YDS)

An effective teacher must continue to learn, problem-solve, and respond to the evolving needs of his or her students. Ideally a culture of inquiry, reflection, and self-evaluation should develop. Voluntary inquiry-based reflection identifies problems and issues within a school and allows teachers and administrators to develop professional study…

Within a conceptual and research framework about the usefulness of portfolios, this book suggests methods to organize the process, and provides tools that will be used not only during preparation programs but also for professional and academic advancement. Key features include: (1) Provides a conceptual framework for portfolio development: Readers…

Organization sustainability depends on the creation of innovative partnerships that engage organization members at all levels in setting strategy and achieving goals. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an approach to exploring what gives life to human systems when they function at their best. The use of an AI approach to strategic planning, invites…

This paper states that there is a tradition of inquiry learning in science that dates at least to the 1950s and early 1960s. Inquiry learning approaches are still in fashion in that the teacher facilitates learning and a hands-on approach to actively involve students. Process approaches are still being used, and the aspects of science education…

This comprehensive social studies curriculum unit for fifth grade has three areas of concentration: (1) the history of the newspaper industry, including historical dates and figures and analysis of how the newspaper industry has influenced and shaped the history of the United States; (2) the functions and responsibilities of the departments and…

This resource contains a listing of the Nebraska Science Standards. In the primary grades, students should learn science at their developmental level. Children develop concepts, vocabulary, and inquiry skills by observing common materials and organisms. They develop the ability to ask questions, investigate the world around them, and use their…

This document introduces "Blue's Clues", a television science program and its development process. Blue's Clues is a series on Nickelodeon and currently telecasts five days a week. Childhood development theory states that young children learn skills through repetition; therefore, the same episode is presented on five consecutive days. This study…

This toolkit explains how to get started with a collaborative process of professional development that includes selecting best practices and identifying ways to put them into action. It is a companion to an online resource, "The Knowledge Loom: What Works in Teaching & Learning." The loom as a metaphor suggests a work in progress, a…

Scientific inquiry has been stressed as necessary for all students in science education reform efforts. "I Wonder: The Journal for Elementary School Scientists" provides a unique opportunity for elementary school students to disseminate their scientific investigations in the analog form of print journals. The Heron Network has published this…

According to the Nation's Report Card released by Education Secretary Richard Riley, 51% of students from Georgia scored below basic science understanding level, and 95% of African American students performed below grade level in science understanding. Valdosta State University serves in the region to improve science teachers' skills. This region…

This educator's guide, developed for students in grades 2-4, discusses the field of aeronautics. It begins with education standards and skill matrices for the classroom activities, a description of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aeronautics mission, and a brief history of aeronautics. Activities are written for the…

In order for students to experience science as scientists do, they must learn the skills of inquiry. This paper examines inquiry as a way of learning science and presents strategies to promote inquiry in teaching science. A model of progression of inquiry skills from grades K-2 to 3-5 is presented and the skills are aligned with the Massachusetts…

This document contains the proceedings of the Scholarly Inquiry in Flexible Science Teaching and Learning Symposium which was held April 5, 2002. UniServe Science aims to enhance the quality of higher education and science instruction in Australia. (YDS)