Thursday, October 13, 2011
New school year. New chance to push the limits of science education.
Last year The Lizard Project was a resounding success. We pushed the limits of science education. The partnership we had with Dr. Warner and Iowa State University could stand as a new model for science education in high school classrooms as well as a new model for education outreach for research scientists. We are currently working vary hard to publish our findings, that a female's nesting choices have significant effects on her offspring across multiple life stages, in a major scientific journal. Although the students involved with the project could already tell you what an impact it had on their learning, getting it published will be a nice way of telling the wider scientific and education communities what kids are capable of when you set the bar higher than it has ever been before. This type of science in a high school classroom would be nearly unheard of even in the most elite and wealthy high schools in the country. I am extremely proud that we achieved this at Kelly High School, where more than 90% of our students are designated as low income.
So what are we up to this year? Well we have two major grants pending that could support some great projects this year. One would support an in class project that would give kids unprecedented creative freedom to design their own behavioral experiments with live animals. The other would allow us to bring even more field experiences to our students via live Skype chats from our island research sites along the Florida Atlantic coast. Oh, and we are still working on a documentary film about The Lizard Project. Check back for more updates soon.
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Hi Mr. Reedy
ReplyDeleteYour class was amazing last year! I had been thinking about the anoles lately. I miss the brown anole lizards. But mostly I miss your class, zoology. Sounds like this year, will be exciting and challenging at the same time for your student. But, like you said students achieve fenomenal things when high bars or standards are put before them. So, when will you be going back to the islands? And what moisture level seems to be more efficient for the females? Also, are the imitated lizards working? Have a great school year, and I hope to read the scholarly article about brown anole lizards!
Sincerely, Itzel Ruiz
Are you comparing your results of this experiment to any other data? What are you trying to find out?
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent approach. People can get the required push they need with Fast Degrees Online so that they can get themselves on the right track and make wonders happen.
ReplyDelete