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| JEFFCO Middle School Life Science Program. A program that enables students to understand the human body, basic ecological principles, and issues associated with environmental problems; and to make decisions to improve health-related behaviors. This program is a year-long life science program for students in grades 7 and 8. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students in seventh and eighth grades of all abilities who are involved in a year-long science program.
Description JEFFCO Middle School Life Science Program is a full year life science course which replaces the curriculum currently being used in general science or life science. It can also be used in an integrated science-health course or divided into units and used as part of a two or three year integrated middle school curriculum.
The program characteristics parallel those recommended by most national science education reform groups and would assist a district in meeting National Goal for Education 5.
Learner materials consist of a text that integrates laboratory activities and readings. Topics were defined by life science teachers based upon their experiences with students as well as on the recommendations of nationally recognized experts in middle school science curriculum. Content is delivered in a learning cycle that consists of three phases: exploration, concept formation, and application. In the exploration stage, students carry out an experiment or investigation. This introduces them to the phenomena and experiences that lead to concept development. Finally, students apply the concept in an application activity or discussion. Development of thinking skills is emphasized throughout the program.
Teacher materials include instructional procedures for effectively presenting activities, detailed answer keys, supportive background information, worksheet masters, overhead transparencies, and optional student activities.
Evidence of Effectiveness In terms of student acquisition of conceptual and factual knowledge, students in this life science course scored significantly higher on reliable locally developed tests. Higher performance of the treatment group was generalizable across ability levels, gender, and teachers.
Requirements A typical middle school science classroom/laboratory is required, including flat top tables, storage space, and at least one sink. In addition to basic science equipment and supplies (including light microscopes) some unique materials are required. An inservice program of approximately 40 hours is strongly recommended.
Costs For appropriately equipped schools, it costs approximately $800 to set up a classroom with the necessary unique equipment and nonconsumable materials. The Teacher Guide is $47.90 and the Teacher Resource Book is $79.90. Student textbooks cost $34.90 each. Training costs are $200 for registration plus travel, room, and board for the national workshop in Colorado. Local workshops can be arranged for the cost of presenters' fees and travel costs--about $200 per participant for a minimum of 15 people.
Services Visitors are welcome by appointment at the program site. Training is available at the program site, and also at the adopter site (costs to be negotiated).
Developmental Funding: Local funding and National Science Foundation.
PEP No. 90-04 (2/6/90)
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[Life Lab Science Program]