On Friday, March 7, secondary school science teachers from Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene Counties will convene at Questar III BOCES to learn how they can participate in a Summer Science Research Program modeled after the Columbia University Summer Research Program for School Science Teachers that has operated for 25 years.
The Summer Research Program is a unique professional development opportunity that will be offered by Questar III BOCES, in collaboration with Dr. Samuel Silverstein, the John C. Dalton Professor of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics and Professor of Medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons beginning in the summer of 2014.
The program will provide an opportunity for certified science teachers to work side-by-side with researchers to conduct authentic scientific research in an area related to the courses they teach. Since being founded in 1990, the program at Columbia University has translated to improved practice in the classroom and increased student achievement rates on Regents Exams in science.
Annie Chien, now a science teacher at Schenectady High School, participated in the program in 2004 and 2005 and said the program provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Having spent her time as an undergraduate preparing for a teaching career, she said she missed out on the opportunity to conduct authentic scientific research. The Summer Science Research Program at Columbia University allowed her to conduct research in nanoparticles.
“Teachers want experiences that can translate to the classroom and this was the best one I ever had! It really helped me understand the thought process of a scientist,” said Chien.
“Professional learning opportunities such as this have direct and measurable impacts on students as gauged through the Regents’ Exams,” said Kenneth Facin, Questar III Leadership and Professional Development Committee member and Hoosic Falls CSD superintendent. “It also provides a rare opportunity for practicing professionals to participate in research within their discipline.”
“It’s like Olympic training for science teachers,” said Cheryl Dudley, Questar III Leadership and Professional Development Committee chair and Greenville CSD superintendent. “And any time an educator has that much love for learning, it will carry over into the classroom. That excitement and interest can’t help but result in improved classroom practice and student achievement rates.”
The program, set to begin this summer, includes summer lab work at local facilities, peer reviewed research presentations and a second-year mentor program.
