NanoTeach is a full research and development project that addresses two challenges:
The primary goal of NanoTeach is to prepare teachers to use an instructional design framework to integrate NS&T content into their curriculum in significant ways. To achieve this goal, we will develop and test a professional development model that combines:
Teachers engaged in NanoTeach will learn to design and implement lesson plans and assessments using the Designing Effective Science Lessons [C-U-E] framework. Teacher learning goals will learn to:
Research Questions
RQ #1 Does the NanoTeach facilitated professional development improve teachers’ ability to integrate NS&T content into their classes in an inquiry-based manner through effective science instruction?
RQ #2 To what extent is the approach utilized in the NanoTeach project a viable approach to the development of professional development materials and experiences that support integration of nanoscale science in high school science?
Hypotheses
To address the first research question, four hypotheses will be assessed through the field test:
Hypothesis #1 Teachers in the treatment group will design higher quality lesson plans compared to teachers in the control group (lesson plan).
Hypothesis #2 Teachers in the treatment group will engage in higher quality instruction compared to teachers in the control group (instruction).
Hypothesis #3 Teachers in the treatment group will design higher quality assessment tasks compared to teachers in the control group (assessment task).
Hypothesis #4 Students in the treatment group will demonstrate higher quality performance compared to the control group (student performance on assessment task).
Research Design
The research design includes a formal pilot test and field test with random assignment treatment and control groups. The NanoTeach Teacher’s Guide will be designed for self-study (control group) and for use in a facilitated (80 hours plus significant follow-up) professional development model (treatment group). The results of the pilot test will inform revisions to NanoTeach prior to the field test. The research design and evaluation include ongoing structured data collection and reporting to support the development team in formal reflection about the viability of the design process and the quality of the resulting products.