QUEST: Quality Elementary Science Teaching

Project Title: QUEST: Quality Elementary Science Teaching

Project Director:  Dr. Deborah Hanuscin

Lead Institution:  University of Missouri - Columbia

Duration of Project:  Three years

Grade Level Focus:  K-6 (Cycle-6 is the first year for this project)

Credit Hours to be Provided:  10 CEU 

Project Summary:

Quality elementary Science Teaching, or “QUEST”, is a 3-year professional development program for K-6 teachers that focuses on success for all learners in science by combining best practices in inquiry-based teaching, formative assessment, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  The primary goals of the three-year project are to (1) strengthen teachers’ conceptual understanding of physical science content appropriate to the K-6 curriculum, and (2) assist teachers in successfully utilizing inquiry-based instruction, formative assessment to guide instruction, and principles of UDL to support the learning of all students.  Participating teams of teachers will attend a 2-week full-time summer institute at the University of Missouri, during which they develop their understanding of physical science content relevant to the K-6 curriculum, as well as instructional skills for teaching science through first-hand experiences working with diverse elementary students during an informal summer science program.  This innovative professional development format provides teachers opportunities for immediate practice implementing the content knowledge and pedagogical strategies they develop in the institute.  Following the summer institute, teachers will be supported in implementing their new knowledge and pedagogy in their own classrooms through: (1)implementation of administrator-supported action plans targeting improved student achievement in science, (2) teacher-led study groups to foster collaboration with colleagues and dissemination of project outcomes at the school-level, (3) project-specific follow-up sessions for attendees held at STOM, and (4) an interactive project website that enables teachers to share instructional materials they develop and discuss their implementation of these materials with colleagues in other buildings and school districts.  Pre-service teacher education will be strengthened through participation of 6 MU elementary/special education majors in the workshop and associated activities alongside the experienced classroom teachers.