Rethinking Elementary Science Education in the 21st Century

Dr. Sacha Kopp, University of Texas at Austin

"Rethinking Elementary Science Education in the 21st Century"

Much has been discussed about the need for better science curriculum and training for teachers of elementary school classrooms. I will discuss an inquiry-based curriculum in integrated natural sciences (physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and astronomy) introduced for these teachers. I will also share data on students' content learning and attitudes towards science. Further, I will discuss a larger scale research project in which we assess the student outcomes when teachers are offered an intensive, inquiry-based professional development training.