Journeys into the microcosmos: A creative collective builds new vehicles for science education reform

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:111154

Zook, D; Pelletier, P ^[1]

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1. Boston Univ., MA (United States)

Microcosmos is a university-centered curriculum development, teacher training effort that centers around a volunteer-based collective made up of teachers, scientist, artists, graduate students, and curriculum developers. Initiated on a zero funds, grassroots level six years ago, but currently funded in part by the National Science Foundation, program objectives include stimulating new enthusiasm for science in the precollege classroom through explorations of {open_quotes}inner space{close_quotes}; bringing a new connection of students to the planet through the discovery of the dominant roles of microbial life in earth systems; and modeling, methods of instruction based upon constructivist approaches and a learning cycle which emphasizes ongoing student creation of their learning environment. Ongoing assessment suggests that Microcosmos with its diverse, community-based Team, could serve as a potential model for other, future university-based science education reform efforts.

• Research Organization: Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 111154
• Report Number(s): CONF-9404192--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
CHILDREN
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
LEARNING
RECOMMENDATIONS
SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL
STANDARDS
TRAINING