Other Science Education Projects

BEDROCK

BEDROCK (Bioinformatics Education Dissemination: Reaching Out, Connecting, and Knitting-together) is an NSF-funded project aimed at integrating bioinformatics throughout the undergraduate biology curriculum, using an inquiry-based approach in which students explore and analyze actual data in a way that recreates the experience of conducting research.

LifeLines OnLine - Investigative Case-Based Learning

The investigative case-based learning approach is a method of learning and teaching that gives students opportunities to direct their own learning as they explore the science underlying realistically complex situations.

Wisconsin Fast Plants

Centered around a small member of the mustard family, this national science education program provides kindergarten through graduate level students with opportunities to explore, discover and research plant science, genetics, ecology, and mathematics. The Wisconsin Fast Plant is a petite, hardy, and attractive plant that speeds through its life cycle in 35-45 days. Along with the genetic mutants, these plants give ample opportunity for authentic scientific investigation.

Bottle Biology

The Bottle Biology Program, although officially closed in 1993, continues to produce instructional materials through the Wisconsin Fast Plants Program. Both the program and the book, Bottle Biology. An idea book for exploring the world through soda bottles and other recyclable materials, (Kendal Hunt 1993), provide a wealth of fresh ideas for rigorously exploring science and engaging young (and not so young) scientists in the process of discovery.

The Earth Partnership Project

The Earth Partnership for Schools Program, based out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is a K-12 initiative designed to involve students in the design, development and management of a ecological restoration on their school grounds. These longitudinal research and education efforts engage students of all levels in activities across the curriculum including science, math, social studies, history, language arts — even music, art and physical education. Summer workshops train teams of teachers interested in restoring a portion of their school yard with the central goals being education, engagement and curricular reform.