Close-up of Bacteria
 

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 are the benefits for teachers?

Among the many benefits for teachers are:

  • Meeting with teachers in neighboring districts who use the same materials to share experiences and develop pedagogical content knowledge.
  • Continued use of the current program with revisions to increase student learning of concepts and skills.
  • Learning about cognitive principles which can be applied to teaching other units.
  • Payment for your participation and continuous support from the project team.