2009-2010 Field Testing for
Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading
The Lawrence Hall of Science is seeking teachers in grades 4-5 to participate in the 2009-2010 field test of new units for our Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading curriculum. Field test teachers will be asked to teach one unit (20-40 sessions in length) between September through November 2009, or January through March of 2010.
The role of the field test teacher is absolutely essential to the success of the materials. Please read all of the information on this page. If you meet the requirements and want to apply to be a field test teacher, complete the application form at the bottom of this page. This is a national field test and teachers from all schools are encouraged to apply.
The Program
Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading is an NSF-funded instructional materials development project. The program is a collaboration between science and literacy educators at the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) and Graduate School of Education (GSE) at the University of California, Berkeley. Jacqueline Barber of LHS and P. David Pearson of Berkeley's Graduate School of Education lead the program.
The Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading units feature inquiry-based, firsthand science investigations fully integrated with literacy instruction. The units engage students in active science investigations, combined with reading, writing, and discussions about science. Students gain important conceptual knowledge about life, earth, and physical science and develop inquiry abilities and understandings about the nature and practices of science. The completed units will represent a state-of-the-art, scientifically-based and research-validated curriculum addressing current science and English language arts standards. The units include:
- a comprehensive teacher's guide
- 18 copies each of student science books (4 to 9 different books depending on the unit)
- science notebooks for students
- a kit of materials to support the firsthand investigations
The Field Tests
We are recruiting for the units listed below. If you are interested in teaching more than one unit, you may participate in one field trial in the Fall and one in the Spring. We will use teacher preferences to make assignments. Note that a class session is typically an hour in length.
Fall 2009 All units to be taught
between 9/1/09 and 11/30/09.
Some units may be rescheduled for
early 2010 (Jan - Mar) as needed. |
Aquatic Ecosystems
What lives in a pond? How do these creatures depend on one another? Students examine the life cycles and ecosystems of aquatic animals. |
Grades 4 and 5 Only.
40-session unit. |
Planets and Moons
What objects form our Solar System, and what are their basic characteristics? Students explore Solar System objects and learn about gravity, scale, and more.
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Grades 4 and 5 Only.
40-session unit. |
Chemical Changes
Students investigate and learn to analyze chemical interactions. They gain experience in making scientific explanations based on both firsthand evidence from their investigations and secondhand evidence they find in text.
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Grades 4 and 5 Only.
20-session unit. |
Models of Matter
What is matter made from? How can its properties be changed? Students investigate matter through chromotography, and then move on to examine how matter can be transformed in chemical reactions. |
Grades 4 and 5 Only.
20-session unit. |
Requirements
Please review all of the information on this page and consult your school principal before submitting an application. Field test teachers must agree to:
- Teach one complete unit within the specified time frame.
- Submit original student work related to the unit. (We cover postage.)
- Administer pre- and post-tests to students, and return completed tests to LHS.
- Allow classroom observations by an independent evaluator or Seeds/Roots staff member.
- Participate in telephone interviews with an independent evaluator or Seeds/Roots staff member.
- Acquire the signed approval of the school principal regarding all of the above.
Compensation
Field test teachers will be able to keep test kit materials, and will be provided a final version of the complete unit tested, including materials kits, once they are in production. Teachers who do not complete the unit or do not provide feedback as requested will be required to return all test materials.
Selection Criteria
Field test teachers must be teaching a 4th or 5th grade class (or a combined class) that meets daily, and be capable of providing critical analysis and feedback on classroom implementation of the material.
Teachers will be selected based upon the following criteria:
- Evidence that the school will support your participation in the field test, including signed approval from the school principal authorizing your use of Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading activities and materials in your teaching.
- Commitment to providing thorough and timely feedback.
We will be very interested in ensuring a wide diversity of situations--urban, suburban and rural; ethnic diversity; number of English language learners; etc.
Field Test Application
To join our team of field trial teachers, please fill out the on-line application.
If you have questions on any of this please e-mail ambersoeters@berkeley.edu
Notice of acceptance will be sent by May 8, 2009 and must be confirmed and accepted by you by May 22, 2009.
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