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Project Overview
Purpose
The purpose of MAIS K-6 Science Inquiry, Investigation, and Design
Technology, or for short, MAIS K-6 Science Inquiry, is to prepare
and assist teachers in 25 MAIS schools to engage K-6 students in
inquiry, in the processes of science, in problem solving and
critical thinking, in designing and conducting investigations, and
in communicating and defending conclusions—skills important across
the curriculum and throughout life. It will utilize inquiry-based,
hands-on science to speed alignment with the standards of Project
AERO (American Education Reaches Out) and the USA National Science
Education Standards (NSES) and help meet the expectations of school
accreditation agencies. Implementation successes will be shared with
other international schools worldwide. The ultimate beneficiaries
will be K-6 students in international schools who will be better
able to act and think in ways associated with inquiry, utilize
science in their daily lives, and compete successfully in a global
economy and world increasingly dependent upon science and
technology.
 Region to be Served
The 25 MAIS schools are located in 8
countries in Europe and North Africa: Spain, Portugal, France,
Italy, Cyprus, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. |
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Project Phases
This two
year project (March 2003 to March 2005) will include four
overlapping phases: Preparation (March 2003-August 2003),
Information (September 2003-December 2003), Implementation (January
2004-March 2005), and Dissemination (January 2003-March 2005). The
Preparation Phase will include the analysis of existing MAIS science
curricula; design of inquiry-based instructional strategies
including processes, investigations, and design technology;
preparation of teacher leadership programs for the 2003 MAIS
Conference, the acquisition of science and technology supplies, and
the design of a web site. The Information Phase will include the
presentation of K-6 Science Inquiry teacher leadership programs at
MAIS Conferences. Two groups of teacher leaders will be prepared,
the first for grades K-3 teachers at the 2003 MAIS Fall Conference
and the second for grades 4-6 teachers at the 2004 Fall Conference.
The Implementation Phase will focus on the implementation of inquiry
teaching within MAIS schools, including site visits for staff
development and science assistance. And finally, the Dissemination
Phase will spread K-6 Science Inquiry instructional strategies and
successes throughout MAIS schools and beyond to all international
schools worldwide.
Potential Impact
The impact of this project will
be substantial. At the conclusion of this project in March 2005, all
25 MAIS schools will have been involved, 50 K-6 teachers prepared
for inquiry teaching and leadership, 350 teachers participating in
school site staff development programs, and approximately 4,000
elementary children benefiting from inquiry-based science—an
approach to science education that challenges students to ask
questions, solve problems, and develop scientific and investigative
skills and knowledge applicable to school and to life.
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