PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #47: Education: K-12.
Wednesday, August 7. Presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Exhibit Hall B & C, TCC

The Kellogg Biological Station K-12 Partnership: A model using ecology to teach science .

Parshall, T.^*,1, Klug, M.¹, Gallagher, J.², Green, G.³, Robertson, G.¹, ¹ Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI² Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI³ Plainwell Middle School, Plainwell, MI

ABSTRACT- The Kellogg Biological Station K-12 Partnership is a collaboration among KBS scientists, Michigan State University science educators, and science teachers and administrators in 14 rural school districts. The goal of the three-year project is to use ecology as an integrative discipline to provide teachers with a deeper understanding of science content and greater familiarity with inquiry-based teaching. Scientists and educators interact in three contexts throughout the year. First, six school-year workshops expose lead teachers to ecological principles and teaching science for understanding. Half of the day is devoted to ecological content led by scientists at KBS, and the other half is pedagogical and facilitated by faculty from the College of Education at MSU. Second, two weeklong summer institutes provide a deeper exposure to science content, teaching methods, and training in educational leadership. Third, advanced ecology Ph.D. students act as consultants throughout the year, meeting with teachers, visiting classrooms, and providing feedback and support for developing an inquiry-based science curriculum. Over the first year, 59 lead teachers are participating in the project, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers has been actively used to direct future workshop content. In subsequent years, lead teachers will work with science teachers in their districts to restructure K-12 science teaching, create lasting ties with KBS and MSU scientists and educators, and improve understanding, integration and application of scientific knowledge.

KEY WORDS: K-12, Education