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| Developmental Approaches in Science and Health (DASH). A comprehensive program designed to develop scientific literacy for K-3 students by facilitating the learning and application of basic concepts and skills in science, health, and technology in authentic and practical ways. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students in grades K-3.
Description Developmental Approaches in Science and Health (DASH) addresses all six dimensions of scientific literacy advocated by Project 2061, Science for All Americans; restructures the curriculum by integrating science, health, and technology; is designed to meet the emerging standards for science education being developed by the National Research Council; provides effective, field-tested activities in an easy-to-use program; and is designed for national dissemination and implementation in diverse school settings. Students with wide-ranging backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles learn concepts and skills in contexts of authentic technological and scientific exploration, invention, and explanation, which provide models for thinking and problem solving. Individual and group activities focus on making sense of new information, making connections with what is already known, and then using new knowledge to expand understanding of the world. Materials are designed for use by classroom teachers or departmentalized science teachers and consist of grade-level teaching guides containing activities and support materials for teachers and students organized into ten clusters: Learning; Time, Weather, and Sky; Plants; Animals; Food and Nutrition; Health and Safety; Energy and Communication; Wayfinding and Transportation; Matter, Space, and Construction; and Conservation, Recycling, and Decomposition. Activities are designed to articulate with other subjects, including language arts, mathematics, music, art, social studies, and physical education.
Evidence of Effectiveness Multiple sources of evidence (e.g., observations, artifacts, documents, and interviews) from seven case-study databases demonstrate that DASH students in grades K-3: (1) understand fundamental concepts, the use of basic inquiry skills and data gathering techniques, and the integration and application of concepts in science, health, and technology; and (2) are self-directed learners taking responsibility for their own learning as reflected in engaged learning time, planning and completion of tasks, and use of multiple resources. DASH teachers change their attitudes and approaches toward elementary science in ways that result in increased instructional time spent on science and focus on students' learning.
Requirements Teacher participation in ten days of initial training and monthly staff development meetings during the first two years of implementation and the purchase of DASH and local materials.
Costs Start-up cost for training and materials is $700-$800/classroom; second year cost is $200/classroom for materials and monthly staff development meetings; and subsequent yearly cost is $100/classroom for materials.
Services In addition to training and curriculum materials, follow-up consultation is available.
Developmental Funding: University of Hawaii; Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; National Science Foundation; and Buhl Science Foundation.
PEP No. 93-13 (3/26/93)
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