Secondary Science Curriculum: Developing a Browser-Based Constructive Ecosystem

Barrier, Ame R., Secondary Science Curriculum: Developing a Browser-Based Constructivist Ecosystem. Master of Science Education (Biomedical Sciences), August, 2004, 46pp, 1 software program, bibliography, 33 titles. The internship practicum report explores current research on the plausibility of incorporating technology based on guided inquiry into K-12 classrooms to increase student science achievement. Part of the practicum report is browser-based software designed for teaching an ecosystems unit and includes the materials for use in a guided inquiry classroom. Can browser-based science instruction designed along a guided inquiry approach increase student achievement in science education and be quantified when compared to didactic classroom methods? The practicum report and the materials developed are designed to provide a means for the eventual testing of technology infused guided inquiry against traditional didactic teaching in the K-12 science classroom and begin to answer this question.