Early exposure to science will not only inform students' future decisions as adults and citizens, but can offer exciting routes for learning in the elementary classroom. CRS helps public elementary schools, education programs, and the community work together to give all kids access to great hands-on learning experiences.
CRS has created a new model for strengthening science education. We offer a local hub for teachers, science and environmental education programs, administrators, and scientists, to find the information, services, and connections they all need for improving elementary science learning in our community. Our approach includes the following:
Targeting Local, Public Elementary Education
Between the ages of 5 and 12 children develop learning habits and form basic ideas about their own interests and abilities. Building inquiry-based science education and connecting public education to diverse local role models insures that all children have a chance to become active learners and share the basic scientific understanding of how our world works.
Focus on Teachers as Professionals
CRS treats teachers as professionals with unique strengths and backgrounds and a common investment in becoming better educators. Our flexible Teacher Services programs are designed to engage teachers in science professional development by respecting varying needs, time pressures, and school cultures.
Ongoing Interaction with Teachers in all Career Stages
We work with science, math and engineering students in University teacher recruiting programs, graduate students in credential programs, pre- and in-service teachers, and whole faculties. Workshops linked with year-round support services build the confidence, skill, and knowledge necessary to pursue professional growth in science and allow us to study needs and barriers.
Meeting Immediate Teacher Needs with Local Resources
We create the time and focus for professional development by connecting teachers to local role models, enrichment programs, and training, while undertaking research, planning, and logistical tasks. Our evolving menu of support services is designed to make science teaching easier.
Using Research Information to Guide Resource Development
CRS studies the needs of local teachers and the resources available to support professional development and science teaching. We share this information and use it to stimulate development, build new collaborations and resources, and refine existing community programs.
About Our Programs
This approach is reflected in our programs, three types of work that evolve and function together to change local science education.
Teacher Services
CRS focuses on classroom teachers as the agents of change for school improvement. Our Teacher Services engage elementary educators in both initiating and sustaining their own science professional development. CRS also works with pre-service teachers in University courses and credentialing programs to attract more people to the teaching profession. Teacher Services include a menu of workshops focused on different science planning and teaching skills, and a range of professional services that provide ongoing support for implementing workshop plans. Teachers can select the level and type of support that is right for the particular stage of their career. Personal interaction allows CRS to collect information on needs and effective professional development approaches.
Community in the Classroom
Developed in response to teacher needs, CIC connects enthusiastic scientists with schools, teachers with hands-on lesson demonstrations, and students with diverse science role models. CRS recruits scientists from local universities and organizations, helps with the development of hands-on lessons linking science standards to scientists’ interests, and coordinates placement CRS members’ classrooms. Role models engage and inspire students while supplementing the teachers’ curriculum plans. These presentations also provide teachers with new examples of hands-on activities and their impact on students.
Resource Development and Research
Because we work with so many elementary teachers, CRS can also help the broader science education community understand and become better partners with schools and teachers. Research and consulting projects help build community-wide capacity to support powerful learning experiences. Past projects have included:
research into educational barriers and opportunities
enrichment program and outreach design
informal educator training
assistance with district-wide professional development planning
