Abstract


 * __ABSTRACT__

Center

This project proposal describes the construction and implementation of a small science technology center with virtual lab capabilities that support teaching and learning in a secondary urban science classroom. The center will be an open learning facility that provides tutoring services to high school science students beyond the traditional classroom. The primary areas of the center will consist of three virtual labs, two small traditional labs equipped with data collection devices, science kits, and glassware, and one conference or presentation room. The first lab will contain 30 HP mobile workstations with AutoCAD and similar analysis and design software, a storage cart, and a digital projector. The second virtual lab will contain 30 HP mini-notes, a storage cart, and a digital projector. The third lab will contain 30 HP tablet PCs, a storage cart, and a digital projector. The first traditional lab will contain a classroom set of HP graphing calculators and select probes and sensors. Both traditional labs will have regular desktop computers with the DyKnow Software Suite and Adobe Digital School Collection software.

The technology will be used to simulate labs in life sciences and physical sciences, and build student competency and efficiency in solving real-world problems using a more hands on approach. Students will be able to collect, record, and store data gathered during lab activities as well as take notes during class. The constructivist instructional approach will allow students creativity with the technology to better create meaning for themselves from the data gathered, which directly relates to the National Educational Technology Standards for students. The gathered information will be printed to make copies for portfolios and lab journals. The implementation plan includes presentations and research simulations from local corporate and university partners. This plan was developed according to the Tennessee Science Standards: Kindergarten through Twelve, which are based on the National Science Education Standards for secondary schools. It will take students from the ninth grade through the twelfth grade as teachers develop a uniform implementation process for use of the center resources in conjunction with the school’s science classrooms. Students will become familiar with using the technology over the course of each class making them more than proficient by the time they graduate. The principal goal of the center is to promote future researchers in the field of science and prepare students to be competitive in a “globally engaged workforce” (NSF, 2004).

The center will be annexed onto the high school with an office for the director and a reception area to receive prospective students and their parents. It will be equipped with wireless access points and a separate office for the community liaisons. The center will be supported in part through funds from the local university and corporations that support science research. Eight teachers and four administrators will assist in the operation and daily routines of the facility. The instructional staff will meet the standards for highly qualified science teachers as outlined in the NCLB Act of 2001. The implementation plan includes schedules for staff professional development and training, the creation of school support structures and community involvement opportunities, and provides for new equipment and system upgrades. Each teacher will be responsible for maintaining a functional, clean, and safe environment.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company. (2009). HP innovations in education – US. Available at: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/hpiie.html#1

International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). National education technology standards. Available at: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS

National Science Foundation. (2004). Science and technology centers: Integrative Partnerships. Available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03550/nsf03550.htm

National Science Teachers Association. (2009). National science education standards. Available at: http://www.nsta.org/publications/nses.aspx

Tennessee Department of Education. (n.d.). Science. Available at: http://tennessee.gov/education/ci/sci/index.shtml

U.S. Department of Education. (2008a). Improving teacher quality. Available at: http://www.ed.gov/teachers/nclbguide/improve-quality.html

U.S. Department of Education. (2008b). OII: Office of innovation and improvement. Available at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/erate.html**