Science and Mathematics Authentic Inquiry-Based Teaching: Project SMART for K-12

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

PROPOSAL NO.: 0230535 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Kukreti, Anant INSTITUTION NAME: University of Cincinnati Main Campus TITLE: Science and Mathematics Authentic inquiRy-based Teaching: Project SMART for K-12 ABSTRACT Project SMART partners engineering and education faculty members with K-12 educators to empower high school students to successfully complete college.. Project SMART recognizes that effective student education requires authentic, inquiry-based learning. By solving open-ended problems based upon real world examples, students will link the relevance of their education with their daily lives and appreciate the intrinsic and tangible values of science and mathematics in modern society. The five goals of Project SMART include: Improving science and mathematics achievement of ALL students, consistent with our overarching goal ioTo Leave No Child Behind.l_ Training secondary science and mathematics educators to incorporate authentic, inquiry-based education into current secondary science and mathematics curricula. Attracting secondary school students to engineering; enhancing the perception of career opportunities in engineering; and improving students SMET related skills to become successful engineers. Instilling an awareness of the importance of learning science and mathematics skills in K-6 administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Increasing the quantity and quality of gender and ethnic student diversity in SMET related courses. The partners form a unique alliance among engineering and education faculty of the University of Cincinnati (UC), the Southwest Ohio section of High Schools That Work (HSTW), and the Greater Cincinnati Tech. Prep. For this planning proposal, we have presented our preliminary thoughts on the main elements envisioned for Project SMART, including: 1) teacher professional development; 2) educational resources for teachers; 3) student programs: out of the classroom and into the world of science and mathematics; 4) pre- engineering program for high school students; and 5) evaluation, assessment and improvement. In particular, we have proposed special programs specifically targeting traditionally underrepresented groups in SMET related fields including ethnic minorities and girls. In addition, we have presented our views on ininstructional theorylu which will form the context for the planning and development of these elements. The Project Committee believes that the implementation of Project SMART in the microcosm of Cincinnati is transferable to other school districts struggling with similar education problems. During the last century, Ohio lead the nation as a strong manufacturing state. Now, we must change our educational style to keep up with society's technological demands. Project SMART is envisioned to transform the lives of students it touches by tearing down barriers to high paying jobs and creating informed citizens.