Newport-Mesa USD has greatly benefited from its participation in the Beckman@Science program as can be seen from the table below.
| Participation |
#
of kits owned by N-MUSD |
%
of teachers trained in one year |
#
of K-6 students in district |
%
of students receiving science instruction/year |
| Prior to Beckman |
15
|
Less
than 1% |
11,842 |
9% |
2011-2012
(12 years later) |
1074 |
8% |
11,589 |
63% |
Prior to participating in the Beckman@Science Grant, Newport-Mesa USD held a Summer Science Institute. This Institute focused on preparing teachers to utilize hands-on, inquiry-based science methods and materials. Now in its 22nd year the Institute has broadened to include mathematics and hosts almost 300 students and 20 teachers. Prior to participation in the Beckman@Science Grant, the Institute was the only training opportunity for district teachers. Teachers now may attend the Institute, but also have training opportunities within the district with additional training opportunities available from other Beckman districts. Teachers now may attend the Institute, but also have training opportunities within the district for each grade level kit with additional training opportunities available from other Beckman districts.
Newport-Mesa believes students learn and understand science best by “doing” science. Each K-6 grade level has three grade level specific, hands-on, inquiry-based science modules which address the three major types of science: earth, physical, and life. These kits have been updated to meet California Content Standards. Students use science notebooks to record information and suggest ideas for further exploration.
In the 2011-2012 school year, Newport-Mesa celebrated the continued success of its 23 elementary science labs. During the 2010-2011 school year the District staffed a total of 12 Science Specialists who are highly qualified and also No Child Left Behind Credential Compliant to provide learning experiences in the science labs.
Teachers enjoy seeing students excited to learn and science presents this opportunity over and over. Newport-Mesa wants every teacher to not only be trained and have access to the curriculum, but to be facile with its various components and able to integrate science into other curricular areas. Once trained, teachers have access to a fully stocked kit for use with their students. Upon unit completion, kits are returned to the Science Materials Center to be restocked and sent out to others.
In 2008, Newport-Mesa adopted Pearson California Science as its elementary science textbook. Recognizing the need to unify hands-on science experiences with text based learning; the District has correlated the Pearson text with its inquiry based science modules. This document was first made available in the Fall of 2008 and continues to serve as a valuable instructional resource. In 2011-2012 Newport-Mesa implemented classroom Science Benchmark Assessments for Grades K-6, and Science Lab Assessments for Grades 4-6. These exams will serve as a valuable assessment tool in the years to come, allowing teachers to adjust instruction to meet the needs of their students.
Newport-Mesa students have a love for
science. They are fulfilling the dream of Arnold Beckman to create
a sense of wonder for the world around them.
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