Inquiry-Based Integrated Natural Sciences for Pre-Service Elementary Teachers

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

Interdisciplinary (99) This project is continuing to develop a 4-semester inquiry-based integrated natural science curriculum for all pre-service elementary education majors at the University of Texas. It is supporting the remaining development of that curriculum, focusing on astronomy and earth climate. This 4-semester model has built on existing models of integrated natural science content courses and, as such, represents a refinement of past models. The curriculum is purposefully interdisciplinary and provides a special emphasis on making connections between the disciplines by using common vocabulary, evidence supported reasoning, and scientific laws while studying the phenomena of the natural world. A stand-out feature of this refinement is the extensive use of formative assessment. The curriculum includes frequent testing of the pre-service students' mastery of content. It also includes frequent testing of their self-efficacy in conducting scientific experiments or hands-on activities with K-12 students. This testing is guided by current research on using formative assessment during inquiry activities and aims to teach pre-service teachers how to use formative assessment in their classrooms. This project is also supporting faculty training to prepare instructors for offering the necessary multiple sections of these inquiry-based courses. The new curriculum uses the guided inquiry method as the primary form of instruction. This is a teaching approach not frequently employed in service courses at large universities. Nevertheless, hands-on, inquiry-based instruction is the model that should ultimately be employed by in-service teachers. This curriculum will initially serve 400 pre-service elementary teachers at the University of Texas each year.