2001-2002 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
for GRADE LEVELS / DEPARTMENTS / SPECIAL AREAS

Writing a Good Grant

Grant written by
Roberta Breslow
and Rick Reuschle

PROJECT TITLE:  Science Inquiry in the Middle School     SCHOOL/GRADE/DEPT/AREA:  CRMS/Pomona MS: Science

Rubric Ranking
(OUT OF 4 POINTS)
Slide mouse over arrow for description.
6. NEED: Data indicate that students need to: Therefore, teachers will need to
Data source Student need  
NYS Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum







 Students need to use science inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing, creative process. Standard 1 Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories
pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize historical development of ideas in science. Standard 4

Staff development in specific science topics will increase teachers' repertoire of classroom activities and applications of scientific concepts and in the inquiry process so that they, in turn, will be able to enhance students' understanding

 

 

 
 
7a. OBJECTIVES: What do you plan to accomplish . . . and, how will this improve teaching and learning
(district/building professional development goals and NYS Learning Standards)
  • Enable teachers to become familiar with the
    inquiry process in order to apply it to classroom
    instruction.
  • Employ specific topics from the Living
    Environment and Physical Setting of the
    Intermediate Level Core Curriculum.
  • Directly support professional development, and
    direct application of the NYS Learning Standards.
  • Provide teachers with additional student activities
    that will support the development of the Standards

 

 

 
 
7b. For novel ideas, include reference to literature supporting your project.
8. ACTIVITIES: Describe what you plan to do to meet the identified needs. What resources will you use? How will you learn new skills?
Jordan and Esther Machower, Pegasus
Educational Services, will present two workshops on Professional Development days, which will enable teachers to better understand the inquiry process through hands-on activities.
First Day (3 hours)
I. Do Inquiry Activity with group
Physical Science (8th grade)
II. Analysis of activity with the group, pointing
out how inquiry was used
to enhance learning
III. Discuss the development of inquiry
activities; guidelines, criteria,
assessments
IV. Small groups (3-4 per group) develop an
Inquiry activity
V. Groups Present/Explain their activity to the other groups

Possible Physical Science Activities: one or more may be done, depending on time

  • The Lava Light; What is happening, Why is it happening? (inspection, operation, discussion)
  • Pulley Systems: How Hard Are You Working? (manipulation of equipment)
  • The Sinking Ice Cube (video presentation, then team problem-solving, possible manipulation?)
  • Heat Transfer (Styrofoam cups & caps, thermometers, water, metal bar, graphing)
  • Predict Climate of a City On The Newly-discovered Continent, Atlantis (given a map)

Second Day (3 hours)
I. Do Inquiry Activity with group
Life Science (7th grade)
II. Analysis of activity with the group, pointing
out how inquiry was used to enhance learning
III. Discuss the development of inquiry
activities; guidelines, criteria, assessments
IV. Small groups (3-4 per group) develop an Inquiry activity
V. Groups Present/Explain their activity to the other groups

Possible Life Science Activities: one or more may be done, depending on time

  • Using the Scientific Method to Solve a Problem
  • The Mitosis Mystery: Maintaining Chromosome Number
  • Gambling with Your Genes: The Role of Chance
  • Camouflage, An Adaptive Advantage
  • The Plant Game: Strategies for Growth
  • The Evolution Game; A Board Game
  • The Ecology Game: A Board Game
  • Reaction Time: How Money Slips Through Your Fingers
  • How The Environment Affects An Eagle Population

Handouts, NYS Intermediate Level Science Curriculum
"Handouts" include other inquiry activities




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Hands-on workshops, reading material


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
9. IMPLEMENTATION: How will you implement When? (Staff development days, after school) How will you meet project objectives?
Facilitators will conduct workshops onsite at Chestnut Ridge MS and Pomona MS. Professional Development Days (2):
3 hours each
 		Teachers will incorporate what they learn into their classroom instruction. These topics can be further discussed and developed in building Science Department meetings.
 
10. EVALUATION: Describe how project effectiveness will be assessed for students and teachers:
Evidence of student learning will be . . . How was your practice influenced? What are the indicators of change?
Students will participate in inquiry-based units, labs, and activities in science classes, which will be incorporated on a regular basis into our science curriculum. Students' ability to understand the scientific method, design experiments and properly plan and use controls will be demonstrated on tests, class activities, labs and science projects.

Inquiry-based units, labs, and activities will be incorporated into our science curriculum.

 

 

 

Discussion at department meetings and sharing of additional strategies; enhanced scores on inquiry-based questions on the NYS Intermediate Level Science Exam

 

 

 

 

 
 
11. BUDGET: Include an itemized list of proposed expenses. Only proposals with a complete budget will be considered.

Description of position, item/supplies, service, etc.:

 Provider of Service (consultant, vendor, etc. - name & address): Calculated Cost (Ex. 1 consultant x 1 day @ $500 = $500) Proposed Expenditure
All equipment and supplies supplied with workshop




 Esther and Jordan Makower Pegasus Educational Services
8 Barbara Road
New City, NY 10956
ph: (845) 638-0357
fax:(845) 638-3285
 2 consultants x 2 days @$500/day=$1000.




 Inclusive. Early dismissal, therefore no substitutes required.

 

 

TOTAL BUDGET AMOUNT: $1000.00