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Strings and Things: String Theory, Astronomy, and the History of Science in the Classroom

Strings and Things: String Theory, Astronomy, and the History of Science in the Classroom. Steve Case NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Fellow University of Mississippi NSGC Conference January 2007. Outline of Talk. Summary of GK8 Grant Challenges in science education

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Strings and Things: String Theory, Astronomy, and the History of Science in the Classroom

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  1. Strings and Things:String Theory, Astronomy, and the History of Science in the Classroom Steve Case NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Fellow University of Mississippi NSGC Conference January 2007

  2. Outline of Talk • Summary of GK8 Grant • Challenges in science education • Examples of GK8 science projects

  3. I. The GrantorWho Are We and What Do We Do?

  4. NSF North Mississippi GK8 Grant • Funded by the National Science Foundation • Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) • Oxford and Lafayette county middle and elementary schools • Develop projects for the two school districts

  5. Project Goals • Integrate math and science in K-8 classrooms by implementing projects based on Mississippi Department of Education Frameworks and National Standards. • Incorporate the Mississippi River and Mississippi River Basin in projects when appropriate. • Include technology in the preparation and presentation of our projects. • Develop cross-curricular projects that apply math and science in a variety of different disciplines.

  6. Project Goals (continued) • Spark interest in Math, Science, Engineering, and Technology. • Utilize thematic learning as a teaching tool. • Enhance educational practices used by local teachers and graduate fellows creating better teachers locally and within graduate programs. • Develop strong and lasting partnerships with fellows, students, schools, and the University. • Providing a resource of tested projects available for teachers.

  7. Team Composition • 12 Graduate Student Fellows • 8 disciplines: Mathematics, Biology, Geological Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Economics • Elementary Team (K - 4th Grades) • Middle School Team (5th – 8th Grades)

  8. Project Procedure • Fellows assigned as project leaders • Peer Review • Liaison Review • Project presented to students • Teacher Review • Improvement suggestions by teacher • Project delivered and approved by project manager • Project posted to our website: http://smartweed.olemiss.edu/nmgk8

  9. Outcomes • Since June 2003, 314 project have been requested. • 262 completed projects posted on the internet

  10. II. The ChallengesorWhere Have We Been, Where Are We Going, and Why Should I Care?

  11. Challenges to Engaging Students • Disassociation between science and “everything else” • No perception of history and development of science as a dynamic narrative • No perspective on the overall contemporary scientific landscape, opportunities, etc.

  12. Symptoms of a Lack of Engagement: • Lack of interest • What does this have to do with me? • When am I ever going to use this? • Why should I care? • Lack of appreciation • What’s the big deal? • Why is it important? • Lack of curiosity

  13. How can GK8 Projects Help? • Science and math presented thematically and in framework of application • Focus on concepts and critical thinking leading to the equations and principles • Present “story of the science”: people, events, development of ideas behind principles • Surveys of current opportunities and research areas in active fields

  14. III. The ProjectsorLight Years, The Great Debate, and Jump Rope Particles

  15. Light Years and the Great Debate • Eight grade science teacher wanted “something about light years and galaxies” • Historical perspective, cross-disciplinary, illustration of narrative of science • Frameworks covered: • Math 2e: Multiply and divide numbers written in scientific notation. • Math 5a: Convert, perform basic operations, and solve word problems using standard measurements. • Science 7a: Explain the relationship between distance and light-travel time (light year). • Science 7c: Identify and describe the Milky Way as the galaxy to which we belong. • Science 7e: Identify and describe spiral nebulae as distant galaxies.

  16. Light Years: A Sense of Scope • Speed of light • Measurement brainstorming • Distance to nearest star • 25,300,000,000,000 miles • 4.2 light years • 1 LY = 6 trillion miles = 9.5 trillion kilometers • Looking backward in time

  17. The Great Debate: Our Place in Space • Held in Natural History Museum, Washington D.C. • April 26,1920 • Between astronomers Harlow Shapley & H. D. Curtis

  18. It’s a String Thing • Request from a seventh grade teacher to create lesson around PBS miniseries “The Elegant Universe” • Theoretical physics, general survey of advanced topics, presentation of contemporary issues in science • Frameworks covered: • Math Framework 1a: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals in real-life situations with and without calculators. • Math Standard 3c: Use standard units of measurement to solve application problems. • Science Framework 10c: Research one or more of the sources of energy (nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal, hydro).

  19. Survey of Contemporary Physics

  20. Particle Jump-ropes

  21. Summary • We have hundreds of projects available on the NSF NMGK-8 website. • We recognize the challenges to engaging students with science activities. • We think our projects can help.

  22. The University of Mississippi NSF NMGK-8 North Mississippi Grades K-8 http://smartweed.olemiss.edu/nmgk8

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