GK-12 Environment, Materials Science, and Information Technology Themes in Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Grades

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

We propose a collaboration between Harvard and the Cambridge Public Schools to help public school students learn science and technology. Cambridge teachers follow a curriculum which meets standards of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and prepares students for state-wide examinations. Our plan is based on teams, each consisting of one faculty member, three GK-12 Fellows, and three Cambridge teachers. Each team will choose a topic from one of three areas: the environment, materials science, and information technology. During the first half year the team will meet weekly to introduce Cambridge teachers to research at Harvard and to discuss how to involve students in investigations related to the Cambridge curriculum and MCAS standards. In the second half year, GK- 12 Fellows will move to the Cambridge Public Schools to help teachers and students in discussions and student projects. A workshop will be held at the end of the year in which Cambridge students present their results to an audience of students and parents. We will start with eighth grade students and move to the ninth and tenth grades in following years. These activities will help Cambridge students learn science and technology and help GK- 12 Fellows become more involved in public education. This award is co-supported by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.