Science Education Research at GSLC

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Teachers, you are a key part of creating quality materials that work in the real world. Please consider lending your voice as part of our research! Compensation is included.


Curriculum testing is an integral part of our work. Through research and evaluation, we explore both the effectiveness of our materials and how students learn. Our research includes quantitative and qualitative tools, such as pre/post testing, classroom observations, interviews, and student work. Teachers and students are our research partners. We’re looking for help during several different steps:

Assessment Validation: Help us test the test! This step is the foundation upon which all of our research is built. Students participate in “cognitive labs” where they read-aloud the assessment questions and explain their answers to us in an interview. This helps catch questions that are confusing, too hard, or too easy.

Pilot Testing: Take new materials out for a test drive and let us know what you and your students think. We revise based on your feedback, making our materials better for all to use.

Field Testing: Check the efficacy of the curriculum. This step assesses whether the materials support students in their conceptual understanding of the disciplinary ideas presented.

Current Opportunities:


Grade LevelCurriculumDescriptionCurrent Research Studies (links to more information and application)

Middle school

(6th - 8th grade)

Symbiosis and Other Relationships

Explore a three-part symbiotic relationship involving parasitic wasps, caterpillars, and a virus to build a better understanding of ecological relationships and a fascinating real-world example of symbiosis.

Field Test *

* Study window is Fall 2024

Middle school

(6th - 8th grade)

Bioengineering

The module will focus on engineering design process with scaffolded instruction to build a hand as part of a bioengineering challenge.

Students will complete a bioengineering challenge that explores how neurons move hands.

The module aligns with the NGSS Middle School science standard Structure, Function, and Information.

Pilot testing †

† Study window will be in Spring 2025

High School

(9th - 12th grade)

Engineering for Health

Reinforce genetics concepts through an exploration of genetic technologies and the molecular processes they employ to understand and identify genetic disorders. Each technology focuses on different levels: DNA, mRNA, protein, and protein function emphasizing that genetic disorders are the result of information transfer gone wrong somewhere between DNA and function.

Field Testing ‡

‡ Study window is Fall, 2024 and Spring, 2025

 

Your participation in these studies helps us gain insight into how students learn and connect with science. You’ll also contribute to the body of knowledge in the science education research field.