This document describes a program called It's About Discovery that is funded by the National Science Foundation. It creates collaborations between The Ohio State University Lima and the University of North Carolina Greensboro for hands-on, inquiry-based science education focused on energy and STEM fields. The program aims to develop strategies to encourage students to consider STEM careers and equip teachers with resources to support students. It utilizes a curriculum called Ford PAS that uses real-world, project-based lessons on sustainability and energy. Teachers report the curriculum and online professional development are effective, and students find the hands-on science more engaging and are now considering STEM careers.

1. Creating collaborations with hands
on, inquiry-based, energy science.
Dean Cristol, The Ohio State University, Lima
Brittany Collier-Gibson, The Ohio State University, Lima
Lynn Sametz, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Chris Andersen, The Ohio State University
Funded by the National Science Foundation DRL-0833614

2. It's About Discovery (IAD) is a program
funded by the National Science
Foundation under Innovative
Technology Experiences for Students
and Teachers.
OSU-Lima and UNC-Greensboro are
partners in this new inquiry based,
hands-on high school science program
that engages students and their
teachers in critical thinking skills
focusing on STEM content areas.

3. To develop, implement and evaluate
strategies that encourage student to
be intellectually prepared for STEM
careers
To develop and implement strategies
that equip teachers with the
resources and knowledge to ensure
that their students consider and are
prepared for the STEM workforce

4. FPAS WORKING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY
CURRICULUM
The Ford
Partnership for REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
Advanced Studies 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
(Ford PAS) new
HANDS-ON PROJECT BASED INQUIRY
science curriculum
is the foundation for COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING EXPERIIENCES
the project. TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

5. LOOKING AT THE CURRICULUM
• FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
• We All Run On Energy
• Energy from the Sun
• Nuclear Revolution
• Is Hydrogen a Solution
• Closing the Environmental Loop
• Energy for the Future

6. SAMPLE ACTIVITY: WE ALL RUN ON ENERGY
Look at global
challenges to
energy uses and
resources
Individual and
Choose Activity class: View
to create for 5th energy images
grade lesson and respond with
thoughts
Activity 1
Facing the
Challenges of Energy
Group and Class:
Prepare survey
Interpret Oil
for 5th grade
Reserve Charts
lesson on energy
group discussion
Lab on the power
of fossil fuels,
intro to science
notebook

7. AN ONLINE OPTION
Students read
introduction online.
Additional links
provided for those
who finish early
Small group work, Students view images on
Wallwisher, post response
decide on 5th grade on wall. Group
lesson discussion
Activity 1 online
Facing the Challenges
of Energy
Prepare 5th grade Group and Class
survey on energy, Discussion on
use class google. interpreting oil
doc charts
Lab on the power of
fossil fuels. Create
online lab book
complete with
videos

8. IMPACT ON TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

9. What teachers are saying…
 Some teachers report that the curriculum is “Just what they
needed”– the right match between instruction, hands-on science
and cooperative learning
 The on-line professional development supports the teachers
 Teachers are thrilled with the collaborative learning that occurs
between schools
 Connections and experiences with business and industry
enhance and extend the classroom learning

10. What the students are saying…
 Science is now “more fun” than it was before
 Science is useful for everyday problem solving
 Some students are now thinking about STEM careers
whereas prior to participation they were not
 Many students report liking the hands-on science

11. http://deniserenfroevents.weebly.com

12. REFLECTIONS AND CHALLENGES
 Teachers meet on-line monthly to discuss the project, share
ideas and express concerns. These meetings are building a
community of learners which may become an essential
component of the project.
 Professional development is key to sustainability.
 Students are beginning to think about careers that were never
part of their “mind-set.” It’s About Discovery has successfully
introduced students to thinking about different and STEM
related careers