Science & Math
The goal of The Investigations in Biology and Chemistry Program is to immerse science teachers in best-practice science teaching. Technology and hands-on laboratory experiences are the foundation for science learning; activity types that meet a variety of learning needs and styles are strategically embedded; all of the inquiry, literacy, math, and test-prep skills are woven into the course. Specifically, the Program features:
- A spiraled approach to content and skills learning for both teachers and students.
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Integrated biology and chemistry content intricately woven into a fabric of 5 relevant, real-world contexts, or “Strands” – Students experience the same 5 Strands each year, building on past content and skills knowledge to rise to higher levels of academic rigor and complexity. The 5 Strands are: Environmental Dynamics, Genetic Unity & Diversity; Food, Nutrition & Fitness; The Quest for Energy; and Health, Drugs & Disease.
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Systematic tracking of discrete skills and content standards benchmarks over two years – Nothing is introduced without being revisited, mastered and assessed, and ultimately applied. There are multiple opportunities for students and teachers to practice skills and use concepts correctly without high-stakes penalties.
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Data-driven instruction.
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Internet and classroom library resources.
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EduChange®-designed formative and summative assessment tasks, including novel, ongoing rubrics to correspond to all assignments.
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Strategies for reading and writing non-fiction in the science classroom.
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Standardized test prep.
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Multi-pronged professional development tactics.
The Program is a comprehensive package of professional development services and secondary science curriculum materials that integrates the disciplines of biology and chemistry over two school years. EduChange, Inc. is collaborating with The Rockefeller University to deliver this inquiry-based, laboratory-intensive program that models the ways in which science is actually practiced—while still meeting standardized testing requirements.
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The opportunity to take four years of high-level laboratory science in biology, chemistry and physics beginning with a challenging, two-year curriculum integrating biology and chemistry around themes such as the environment, nutrition and fitness and health and disease
