Scaffolding Authentic Learning by Inquiry: A Field-Based Project for Middle School

Project Title: Scaffolding Authentic Learning by Inquiry: A Field-Based Project for Middle School

Project Director: Dr. Somnath Sarkar

Lead Institution: University of Central Missouri

Duration of Project: Three years

Grade Level Focus: 6-8

Credit Hours to be Provided: 4 graduate credit hours

Project Summary:
The workshop "Scaffolding Authentic Learning by Inquiry: A Field-Based Project for Middle School" is intended to meet professional development needs for middle school science teachers (grades 6-8) from schools identified as high need. We will primarily focus on Standards 1, 4, 6 and 7. The workshop will consist of 60 hours during the summer and 30 hours of onsite follow up using site visits and online communication in which 34 participants will engage in a variety of activities organized around (a) content needs derived from students' performance on the Missouri Assessment Program test, (b) guided inquiry based on problems connected to a field study site, (c) direct instruction connected to scientific and pedagogical skills training, (d) open inquiry selected from questions associated with the field study site, and (e) a comprehensive plan for authentic learning through inquiry in a field-based setting on the part of participants' middle school students.

Dr. Somnath Sarkar, Project Director, and Dr. Richard Frazier, Co-Project Director will organize the workshop activities according to a strategic developmental sequence. They will provide direct instruction for needed skills, guidance for the initial inquiries, and will facilitate the open inquiries and the development of plans for field-based investigations for the participants' middle school students. Mentors will provide on-going assistance to participants by telephone and email. Mr. Gene Vinson will work with administrators to make sure support is provided for the implementation of the various inquiry projects.