Teaching Stats for Data Science

“Data science” is a useful catchword for methods and concepts original to the field of statistics, but typically being applied to large, multivariate, observational records. Such datasets call for techniques not often part of an introduction to statistics: modeling, consideration of covariates, sophisticated visualization, and causal reasoning. This article re-imagines introductory statistics as an introduction to data science and proposes a sequence of 10 blocks that together compose a suitable course for extracting information from contemporary data. Recent extensions to the mosaic packages for R together with tools from the “tidyverse” provide a concise and readable notation for wrangling, visualization, model-building, and model interpretation: the fundamental computational tasks of data science

What sorts of worlds do we live in nowadays? Teaching biology in a post-modern age.

Most historians of science, sociologists of science, philosophers of science and science educators now accept that there is no such thing as 'the scientific method'. We explore the implications of this view of the nature of science for biology education in particular. Accepting that there is no single way of investigating and describing the world scientifically presents both challenges and opportunities, especially when teaching biology. We illustrate these opportunities by suggesting fresh approaches to the teaching of drawing in biology, the teaching of classification and the teaching of human biology

Teaching science out-of-doors

Currently there are moves to increase learning out-of-doors and to represent the work of inspirational scientists in the secondary science curriculum. In 2009 the scientific processes and knowledge derived from Darwin's work, much of which was undertaken out-of-doors, will feature prominently in science education. His simple, hands-on, practical enquiries can be replicated in schools. Here his weed plot and worm cast experiments are described and their implications discussed

How Does Leadership Matter? Developing and Teaching a Definition of Hands-On Science, a Prerequisite for Effective Inquiry Teaching

This descriptive case study describes leadership skills and planning for setting clear directions by program leaders for a statewide professional development initiative to extend improvement in science teaching and learning. For science teachers and leaders in Virginia, a critical part of setting clear goals that everyone can understand is defining key science terms. One of the four key terms, hands-on science, is defined here. Materials to develop teachers\u27 understanding of the term for effective implementation of classroom inquiry activities are shared, along with a rubric for evaluation by and for teachers. Understanding of the term hands-on science is necessary before inquiry-based science teaching can be fully implemented. Authentic science materials, when safe, are necessary for doing authentic, inquiry-based science teaching in a way similar to how a scientist investigates science

The Use of Project-Based Learning in a Technology Course for Math and Science Teachers

In this project, pre- and in-service math and science teachers used project-based learning to learn the complex skills involved in integrating technology into math and science teaching. The teachers in the course E36.1002: Microcomputer Applications in Math and Science Instruction in the Department of Teaching & Learning at New York University developed a four-week curriculum that integrates math, science, and technology using a common theme chosen by the teachers. The program has received very positive feedback from all participants and may be expanded in the future. Some recommendations are provided on how field experience in teaching with technology can be integrated into math and science teacher education programs

The STCC Science Teaching Intern Project

The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Science Teaching Intern Project was implemented as a pilot study to give community college students an opportunity to experience science teaching. At the same time, it provided seventh graders in inner city middle schools opportunities to interact with college students and to take advantage of science resources not usually available to them. Interns attended weekly meetings and participated in an all-day science field trip at the college. Most participants also made observations in a middle school science classroom and presented a science activity in the classroom. Not only did the project provide a partnership between STCC and two Springfield public schools, but it also involved interaction with the University of Massachusetts School of Education, since a doctoral candidate provided expertise in education methodology and in evaluation of the project. The project was evaluated by the interns, the two K-12 teachers, the seventh graders, and by the doctoral candidate. There was clear enthusiasm for the project provided by all the sources. The conversion of this project into a one-credit course is currently under development

Examination of Student-Active Learning Practices in a College/Middle School Educational Collaboration

A college and middle school student teaching collaboration was developed to interest more college students in teaching K-12 science, to enhance diversity among K-16 teaching faculties, and to inspire the K-12 students to expand their knowledge beyond their classroom curriculum. To assess our results, we used a modified Likert survey instrument and self-reflective analysis in middle school and college students, respectively. Overall, middle school students expressed satisfaction in the science learning in which they participated. In addition, college students reported that they learned specific content when made responsible for teaching material to younger students. Collaborative projects such as this one may positively impact attitudes towards math and science learning among middle school students. Research suggests that middle school girls who have positive experiences in math and science classes select further training and career options in these areas. Similarly, college students reported increased interest in K-12 teaching. Collaborative project based learning could be successfully modified by other educators for use in alternative or mainstream educational settings

Teaching Physical Science Through Technology: Middle School VCU PHY 591

Teaching Physical Science through Technology is a new 3-credit laboratory-and-lecture based course designed to serve as an introduction to the teaching of physical science concepts at the middle school level. Physical science phenomena are presented through investigations of commonly known applications of technology and focus on the Virginia Science Standards of Learning for 6th Grade Science and the Physical Science courses. Topics include matter, gravity, mechanics, heat, optics, electricity and magnetism, and computers as seen in their roles in common devices. The development of the course includes assessment from six semesters, collaboration with other institutions including the Science Museum of Virginia, and an 800 page text written by Adam Niculescu