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Concise Definition
SPICE is a partnership between the Alachua County Public Schools and the University of Florida (view the current list of participants). The primary goals of SPICE are to: (1) enrich the education of graduate students by increasing their communication skills and fostering a long-term commitment to outreach activities (2) encourage under-privileged middle school students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines by enhancing science education, and (3) develop a strong and enduring partnership between the University of Florida and K-12 schools.
SPICE works by placing a science/engineer graduate student into the middle school classrooms, where they work with teachers to implement hands-on, inquiry-based learning of topic related to ecosytem health.
Statement of Need
We live in an economy in which rapid changes in science and
technology demand a scientifically literate workforce. Given that
approximately 70% of Americans lack a clear understanding of the
scientific process, 25% believe scientists are "apt to be odd and
peculiar people", and a majority (53%) view science as dangerous,1 we face an enormous challenge. This challenge is exacerbated by a
projected shortfall of scientists and engineers in the workforce. In
the next decade, demand for these professions is predicted to
increase by 47%, whereas the labor force will increase by only 15%.2 An obvious conclusion, reached repeatedly by independent parties, is
that any long-term solution must originate in K-12 schools. Students
must be trained to view science as a process, not as a collection of
facts. They must feel confident in their ability to question,
problem-solve, and work in teams. And, they should have role models
and mentors who demonstrate by example that scientists and engineers
lead normal, fulfilling lives. Despite many state and federal
reforms in education, the United States is falling behind in meeting
such goals. Middle school students, for example, test below
international averages in mathematics and are unexceptional in
science.3
1 NSF. 2002.
Science and Engineering Indicators - 2002. Division of Science
resources Statistics (NSB 02-01) http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind02
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2002. Occupational Outlook
Handbook. http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.
3 TIMSS. 1999. Trends in Mathematics and Science
Achievement Around the World. International Study Center, Boston
College, Boston, MAhttp://ustimss.msu.edu/.
Vision Statement
Our vision of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) education is encapsulated in a Chinese proverb: "I hear
and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." We
believe that the most effective learning takes place when a child's
natural curiosity is aroused and he/she is then guided in an
exploratory adventure led by that curiosity. In inquiry-based
learning, teachers present observations that beg explanation. They
then let students take the lead in posing hypotheses, gathering
information, refining ideas and, ultimately, constructing a new
understanding of what was previously mysterious. Students are
expected to develop conceptual understanding, but more important,
they develop an appreciation for the STEM disciplines by
successfully applying concepts to the "real" world. In inquiry-based
classrooms, learning is physically, mentally, and socially active;
telling and showing is minimized. Students are directly involved in
hands-on activities and interactive discussions with their peers.
Teachers are guides rather than sources of information.
Goals and Objectives
SPICE has two goals: The first is local and immediate; the second is long-term and of broader significance. We aim to: (1) enhance the quality of science, technology and engineering instruction in Gainesville, Florida middle schools by training biology and engineering graduate students in inquiry-based teaching strategies, nuturing one-on-one partnerships between them and middle school science teachers in local, under-resourced middle schools, and (2) develop and/or revise standards-based teaching modules, provide training and equipment for regional implementation of these modules, and disseminate them more broadly.
Specifically, the SPICE objectives target three beneficiaries:
-- Students (6-8th grade): We will foster students interest in pursuing STEM* careers by: (1) providing instruction and practice in the use of creative and critical thinking skills, (2) providing training and support in the use of technology in science classes, (3) involving students in a wide variety of inquiry-oriented, hands-on activites that focus on misconceptions in the area of environmental science, and (4) exposing students to scientist/engineer mentors and role models.
-- Graduate Fellows: We will provide support and preparation for a possible career in education by: (1) providing instruction, appropriate practice, and feedback in the use of inquiry-oriented science teaching stategies, (2) providing instruction and feedback in the development and revision of standards-based science lessons and teaching modules, (3) facilitating collaborative working partnerships with middle school science teachers, and (4) providing mentoring opprotunities with large and small groups of middel school students.
-- Teachers: We will improve STEM curricula, especially with respect to state and federal standards by: (1) providing direct and sustained support and assistance with middle school science, technology, and education instruction, (2) providing in-service training in inquiry-based, hands-on science teaching techniques, (3) providing in-service training in the use of technology as a teaching tool, and (4) developing a positive relationship between the university and the local school system, as well as a mechanism for maintaining university assistance with teaching of STEM disciplines in middle schools.
* STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
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