The Keli Mutu crater (Flores, Indonesia)
 

Improving Science for Students

The National Research and Development Center on Cognition and Science is a five-year national grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences to further the goal of fostering science literacy in young people so they are able to compete in a 21st Century global economy. The Center's work focuses on applying the lens of cognitive science to existing middle school science curricula (Foss and Holt) in an effort to improve student learning of science.

The new adapted curricula is being scientifically tested in a study involving over 180 schools in Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson) and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Professional development on these cognitive principles and their application within the selected science materials has been delivered to teachers in participating schools. These methods for improving student learning are being evaluated through rigorously designed scientific studies. One of the measures of the effectiveness of the modifications will be student performance on statewide science asssessments because preparing students to meet the cognitive demand of those instruments is also a focus of the work.

 

Welcome

 

What is the research proposed by the 21st Century Center for Cognition and Science Instruction?

The central research question posed by the Center is: Can the implementation of cognitive science principles help increase student learning and raise performance on high stakes tests? The study proposes to develop and assess the application of cognitive science principles to middle school Holt and Foss science curricula currently in use by participating districts. Can such applications result in large improvements in student learning? And if so, to what extent are findings transferable to other schools and states?