1. Research Experiences for Teachers Impact on Students Columbia University’s Summer Research Program for Science Teachers 2 nd National RET Conference Redwood City, CA November 14, 2003 Jay Dubner, Program Coordinator

2. “Practice What You Teach” Columbia’s Summer Research Program for Science Teachers was established in 1990 for the purpose of contributing to the improvement of science achievement of students by providing science teachers with experience in the practice of science. Teachers become members of research teams.

3. Program Demographics 1990-2003 149 middle and high school science teachers 85% public schools 56% women 46% minorities

4. NSF-Supported Programs at Columbia University MRSEC (Materials Research & Science Engineering Center) – 12 teachers (1999-2003) EMSI (Environmental Molecular Sciences Institute) – 8 teachers (1999-2003) NSEC (Nanotechnology Science & Engineering Center) – 2 teachers (2002-03) Alison Biuso, Asst. Director of Education

5. Program Design 20-25 middle and high school science teachers work as a full-time member of a research team (4 days a week) Work along side faculty, graduate students, post docs & technicians Weekly seminars to build a professional learning community. – Science content: seminars with speakers on topics of broad general interest – Lectures are videotaped – Science communication: describe their research projects to each other – Science teaching: Lead hands-on demo lessons, engage in discussions of common concern – Peer coaching: 2 nd year participants provide guidance and encouragement to 1 st year participants 8 weeks each summer for 2 consecutive summers Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Students visit teacher’s school once a month between October and May

6. Goals of the Program Update lessons & labs to contain current science information Increase inquiry-based instruction Implement collaborative learning Bring materials and resources back to the school Educate students on many career opportunities in the sciences Use Internet as a research tool Introduce new technologies Stay updated on findings in science (e.g. read scientific journals)

7. Expected Program Outcomes Increased student interest in science Increased student achievement in science

8. Genesis In 1994, Columbia’s Summer Research Program began collecting quantitative student data from NYC public high schools - Treatment Group -- Students in science classes of Program teachers (Prior to program participation through completion of 2- year program) - Comparison Group -- Students in science classes of non- participating teachers from the same schools

9. Findings Program has engaged teachers intellectually Provided them with new avenues of professional & personal growth Increased their appreciation for the process of scientific discovery Enhanced their ability to converse the excitement and vitality of science to their students and fellow educators

10. Instruments Administered Pre-program survey Post-program survey Mentor survey Spring implementation survey

11. 2002 Teacher Survey Data 96% stated they have shared Columbia-derived information, materials and/or resources with other school personnel. 91% reported increasing hands-on activities in their classrooms and/or new laboratory exercises in response to their experiences at Columbia. 86% reported developing new or revised content to lessons and/or labs since participating in Columbia’s Program*. 64% reported discussing science careers and related job requirements with their students. 78% reported increasing problem-solving activities in their classes. * 200 Lesson & lab plans referencing the National Science Standards on Program’s Web site

12. 2002 Teacher Survey Data (con’t) 78% reported initiating or increasing their use of computers since their participation in the program. 70% reported reading scientific journals more frequently than before. 68% reported assuming new leadership roles/responsibilities in their school/district/region. 64% reported increased requirements for formal written reports and/or oral presentation requirements.

13. Student Performance Indicators Data Collected from: Data Collected from: –Science Club Participation –Intel Science Talent Project Participation –NYS Science Regents Exam Scores –NYS Science Regents Exam Pass Rate

18. Funding Sources Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation JP Morgan Chase Foundation Howard Hughes Medical Institute Laura B. Vogler Foundation National Institutes of Health National Science Foundation New York Times Company Foundation Pfizer Foundation, Inc. Waksman Foundation for Microbiology

19. Contact Information www.ScienceTeacherProgram.org Jay Dubner (212) 305-6899 jd109@columbia.edu