RiSE Center Colloquium, Monday, Nov. 7
The Maine Center for Research in STEM Education
and the University of Maine
Presents a RiSE Center Colloquium
Daniel K. Capps
Assistant Professor of Science Education
College of Education and Human Development
University of Maine
Arthur St. John Hill Auditorium
165 ESRB
November 7, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Does engaging students in an authentic investigation promote student interest in science?
Abstract:
This study examined the influence of an inquiry-based curriculum on students’ interest in learning science and in science-related careers. Fossil Finders was a teacher professional development program emphasizing inquiry-based instruction, nature of science, and evolution. As part of the project, students participated in a curriculum where they learned science content knowledge as they participated in a hands-on, authentic paleontological investigation. Initial findings suggest that merely participating in the curriculum was not enough to engender student interest. Student interest appeared to be linked primarily to the way in which teachers enacted the curriculum, whereas the authentic nature of the investigation both positively and negatively impacted student interest. On one hand, students enjoyed working with real samples, interacting with scientists, and collecting and interpreting real data. On the other hand students struggled with the variability of real scientific data. This study has implications for projects that engage students and the public in the collection of authentic data.
Bio:
Dan is an Assistant Professor of Science Education at the University of Maine. Over the past 15 years he has done a variety of things including: studied geology, Spanish, education, hiked the Appalachian Trail, judged dog shows, and taught in a variety of settings from kindergarten through college and beyond. Through these experiences Dan has become passionate about science, science teaching, and research on teaching and learning. At present, his work focuses on teacher professional development and supporting teachers and their students in understanding more about what science is and the many ways it is practiced.