CAREER: Tracing Children's Developing Understanding of Heredity over Time

Michigan State University, East Lansing MI

Investigators

Abstract

The objectives for this proposed research are: (1) to study how fifth and sixth grade students develop understandings of key concepts regarding heredity within a school year and across two successive grades, using a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE); and (2) to study the relationships between the students learning outcomes and the teachers classroom practices. In addition, curriculum adaptation, partnerships with science education researchers and scientists, and professional development workshops will provide learning opportunities for teachers, allowing them to build knowledge and translate it into practice. This proposed study will employ a cross-sectional and longitudinal comparison design involving a total of four fifth-grade teachers and five sixth-grade teachers.