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Orange Unified School District serves approximately 15,500 students and 550 teachers in our kindergarten through sixth grades. In the Fall of 2002, we began our partnership with Beckman@Science and since that time have trained a core of science teacher leaders, established a Science Materials and Training Center, scheduled and conducted kit trainings for teachers, and purchased, delivered, and refurbished science kits for classroom use.
Prior to the fall of 2002, most K-6 students in the Orange Unified School District (OUSD) learned science through the use of textbooks. If hands-on science was utilized, it was at the discretion of the individual teacher. Materials were provided by that teacher or perhaps, the PTA. Between 1998 and 2002, approximately 256 teachers took advantage of the Beckman@Science training at the Beckman Materials Center and received a hands-on, inquiry-centered science kit for a one time use. As the number of teachers teaching hands-on inquiry-centered science increased, the interest in having a district-wide program also increased.
During the first year, teachers from each of our 30 elementary schools were identified for the Teacher Leader program. These teachers received training at full day workshops focusing on inquiry science, process skills, kit training, expository writing in the science notebook, backwards assessment starting with science content standards, parent awareness activities, and research supporting the program. The Science Teacher Leaders have become the cheerleaders for the program at their sites, answering questions and promoting hands-on, inquiry-centered science. Project Tomorrow was instrumental in bringing a grant funded by the Fluor Foundation to help train the Science Teacher Leaders. Through this grant, the Center for Educational Partnerships Science Education at UCI provided leadership in the training of the K-6 Science Teacher Leaders in OUSD.
The kits used by OUSD are nationally recognized, exemplary, hands-on, inquiry-centered science curriculum with a focus on supporting state standards. Three kits are available in each grade from K-6, one in each of the science disciplines: Earth, Life, and Physical Science. Before a kit is placed in a classroom, the teacher attends a one-day workshop presented by a grade-level teacher who has taught the kit at least twice. Topics addressed in the training include kit contents, teaching strategies, embedded assessments, and the use of science notebooks and their use for assessment.
A kit is in the classroom for approximately 8-10 weeks. It is then returned to the Science Center where it is refurbished, and subsequently sent out to another teacher.
Over 80% of our students have benefited by having at least one inquiry-based kit. In 2011-2012, OUSD impacted approximately 13,000 out of 15,500 of our K-6 students and 500 of the 550 teachers with hands-on, inquiry-centered science.
A Science Steering Committee meets regularly to guide the progress of the program. Representatives from the OUSD Board of Education, Chapman University, UC Irvine, Santiago Canyon College, central office administration, principals, teachers, parents, and business representatives serve on this committee. The committee is working with the district Superintendent and Business Services to devise a plan for sustainability once Beckman funds are not available. Our seventh annual Community Science Night was held at Santiago Canyon College on March 2, 2012. This event and Parent Awareness Nights at elementary schools sites have given parents a first hand look at the use of inquiry-centered science kits and how they are used in the classroom with their children.
Parents, students, and teachers have been very enthusiastic about this program. Teachers are thrilled to have training and receive all the material needed to teach the unit without the need to purchase or locate the materials themselves. Students are excited to “do” science. Parents tell us science is the topic of conversation at the dinner table. Parents are asking questions about inquiry centered science and becoming interested in the program. Our high schools have had to add science classes to accommodate all students who wish to take science classes. Our science test scores continue to be a source of pride in our district as they go up every year.
The Orange Chamber of Commerce has helped us connect with business partners in our area.
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