Differentiation for Effective Instruction in Science

Abstract

Scientists-in-Schools (SIS) is a research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Javits Program for Gifted and Talented that targets the achievement gap between underrepresented students and other students. SIS, a five year project seeks to increase student achievement in Science for low income minority students to enable them to qualify for their district's gifted program. This article shares examples of differentiation in Science curriculum focusing on the use of inquiry with teachers working side-by-side with university professors in Saturday Science labs. Results indicate that the outcomes of increased student achievement, increased science content for teachers, and increased numbers of underrepresented students being identified for their district gifted program are being met. Currently, 90 teachers and 300 students have been involved in the SIS project, with 56% of the students able to qualify for the gifted program.