Marcia Linn

Marcia Linn Research Group Awarded $1.7 Million for New Project on Science Learning and Assessment

Professor Marcia Linn’s research team has just received a significant grant from the National Science Foundation for a new project to collaborate with school districts eager to teach science using the latest technologies and to prepare all students for statewide science assessments. Titled “Helping Districts Respond to New Science Assessments—A Partnership Model for Integrating Technology, Professional Development and Curriculum,” the project runs for three years.

Administrators and teachers from two local middle schools met with the research team this past summer to design Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) projects to teach topics in the California science standards. The teachers identified goals for their students as well as outcome measures aligned with the planned state assessments that would provide evidence of progress. The teachers, in collaboration with mentors from the research group, started off the school year by teaching their first WISE projects and examining student progress. Already the team is redesigning the projects to improve future outcomes.

“This research provides a portable model for partnerships that districts everywhere can use to take advantage of technologies such as simulations, embedded assessments, and argument tools,” Linn said. “Teachers can customize classroom-tested WISE projects and rapidly gather evidence for their success. We can explore whether these new learning technologies offer advantages for students at risk for failure in science.”

 

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