Lesson plan development:

 

Funded by an NSF CAREER award:  We are working with a local 7th and a local 9th grade teacher, an Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) biology education specialist, an Auburn Department of Education assessment specialist, and my research colleague from Kinesiology, Andrea Kavazis, to develop 2-day lesson plans for both 7th and 9th graders on mitochondrial function. Our research will be prominently featured in the lesson plans to help Alabama students learn about current science being conducted at Auburn University. Lessons will include links to YouTube videos and a blog describing progress on our research project.

 

• In the 2015-2016 academic year, these lesson plans will be piloted in the teacher’s classrooms. Student learning will be assessed during the pilot phase and then, we will work as a team to improve the lesson plans based on the successes and challenges observed in the classroom.

 

• In summer 2016 (year 2 of award), we will invite all Auburn city 7th and 9th grade science teachers to a training workshop on the application of our lesson plans.

 

• In the 2016-2017 academic year, the developed lesson plans will be piloted throughout Auburn City Schools (about 15 classrooms) and student learning will be assessed.

 

• In Summer 2017 (year 3 of award), we will invite all 7th and 9th grade teachers in the Eastern Central Alabama region to a training workshop, and in the 2017-2018 academic year, the lesson plans will be implemented regionally (about 100 classrooms) and assessed.

 

• Finally, during the 2018-2019 academic year (year 4 of award), I will work with our biology education specialist to present the lessons at the ASIM statewide meeting and submit the lesson plans to the Alabama State Department of Education for inclusion in the ASIM program. ASIM provides Alabama high school science faculty with the training and materials necessary teach science effectively in the classroom. Lessons and laboratory modules are posted online, teachers travel to universities throughout the state training for training, and finally, supplies are delivered to each classroom by participating universities to ensure teachers have the resources needed to carry out the experiments. 

 

     Interested in participating in this program?

 

• This NSF-funded program will provide a stipend to the educators participating in the design and assessment of this project.  High school teachers, ASIM and assessment specialist are encouraged to apply. In addition, workshop participants will also be provided with a stipend. Applicants should have a strong interest in improving the 7th and 9th grade science curriculum in Alabama. Please contact Dr. Wendy Hood (wrhood@auburn.edu) for further information or details.

 

 

 

High school student participation in research:

 

We occassionally have a enthusiastic high school student working in our lab during the summer or after school during the academic year.  If you are interested in participating, please send an email to Dr Hood (wrhood@auburn.edu).  In that email, please introduce yourself and explain why you would be interested in working in her lab.  She'll get back to you as soon as possible.