PlantGIFT: An Effective Teacher Workshop Model for Translating Experimental STEM Research into Hands-On Classroom Activities for Middle and High School Students
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| Title: | PlantGIFT: An Effective Teacher Workshop Model for Translating Experimental STEM Research into Hands-On Classroom Activities for Middle and High School Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Regina Marie Bedgood (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of College Science Teaching. 2025 54(2):181-188. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) National Institutes of Health (NIH) (DHHS) |
| Contract Number: | 2038872 R25GM132967 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education High Schools |
| Descriptors: | Teacher Workshops, Hands on Science, Class Activities, Plants (Botany), Faculty Development, College School Cooperation, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Secondary School Science, Partnerships in Education, Scientific Research |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0047231X.2024.2412671 |
| ISSN: | 0047-231X 1943-4898 |
| Abstract: | The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) advocate for K-12 educators to go beyond teaching content knowledge by prioritizing the integration of academic disciplines into real-life experiences and careers. Schools are now focused on preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in college and careers, and gain exposure to future employment opportunities. Recognizing the significance of collaboration between K-12 teachers and higher education faculty, the National Research Council emphasizes the need for enhanced professional development opportunities. Numerous higher education institutions have rigorous and robust experimental research programs. Additionally, a number of them have established STEM centers, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local school districts to foster such collaborations. Here, we describe a "PlantGIFT" initiative (Plant Genomics Internships for Teachers), a model that effectively translates university-based research into a week-long professional development opportunity that promotes teachers' ability to understand and teach science concepts in their classrooms. We outline the planning and development stages of the PlantGIFT workshop for secondary science teachers, centered around plant research, including our lessons learned, initial results, and implications for future research and practice. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1470864 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) advocate for K-12 educators to go beyond teaching content knowledge by prioritizing the integration of academic disciplines into real-life experiences and careers. Schools are now focused on preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in college and careers, and gain exposure to future employment opportunities. Recognizing the significance of collaboration between K-12 teachers and higher education faculty, the National Research Council emphasizes the need for enhanced professional development opportunities. Numerous higher education institutions have rigorous and robust experimental research programs. Additionally, a number of them have established STEM centers, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local school districts to foster such collaborations. Here, we describe a "PlantGIFT" initiative (Plant Genomics Internships for Teachers), a model that effectively translates university-based research into a week-long professional development opportunity that promotes teachers' ability to understand and teach science concepts in their classrooms. We outline the planning and development stages of the PlantGIFT workshop for secondary science teachers, centered around plant research, including our lessons learned, initial results, and implications for future research and practice. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0047-231X 1943-4898 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0047231X.2024.2412671 |
