K-3 teachers learn students are ‘RIPE’ for science

Elementary-grade schoolteachers from Toledo and Lima are on campus this week beefing up their knowledge of the physical sciences and learning age-appropriate, active teaching strategies for imparting that knowledge to their young students.

The 35 teachers are part of Research-based Inquiry Physics Experiences (RIPE), a federal science education project funded through the Improving Teaching Quality Program. The Ohio Board of Regents administers the funding for the project, which Bowling Green State University has participated in since 2007.

Dr. Tracy Huziak-Clark, project director and an associate professor in BGSU's School of Teaching and Learning, is collaborating with Dr. Stephen Van Hook, formerly of Bowling Green and now at Penn State University. They have researched the youngest students' understanding of scientific concepts, based on hands-on learning, conceptual hooks such as songs and phrases, and movements and physical activities.

At the RIPE institute, the teachers are learning different classroom approaches to physics and how best to address state standards. The project also offers materials for the teachers to take back to their schools, opportunity for graduate credit and follow-up during the school year.

All the teachers must develop and implement a weeklong unit based on what they learn. The project is part of BGSU's ongoing efforts to improve education in the STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering and math.



What:  35 area teachers learning hands-on science at BGSU RIPE institute

 

Where: 140 Life Science Building

             Bowling Green State University

 

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

            Friday, Aug. 6

 

Available: Drs. Tracy Huziak-Clark, project director, and Stephen Van Hook, Penn State

(Posted August 05, 2010 )