RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS

1
Providing Middle School Students With A Science
Research Curriculum Through Community
Partnerships
David Rodriguez Swift Creek
Middle School National High Magnetic Field
Laboratory ED21A-0086 Tallahasse
e, Florida
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS Science
research courses have been around for years at
universities and in high schools. As Inquiry
Based Learning has become more and more a part of
the science teachers vocabulary, many of these
courses have adopted an inquiry model for
studying science. Learners of all ages benefit
from learning through the natural process of
inquiry. I participated in the CIRES Earthworks
program for science teachers (Colorado
University) in June, 2007, and experienced, first
hand, the power of inquiry based learning.
(Left Determining water table depth in
the mountains of Colorado during the Inquiry
Based CIRES Earthworks program. Right Touring
the Antarctic Core Facility at Florida State
University, one of our partners.) With the
support and commitment from my school
administration, and with the commitment of
community partners, I have developed a Middle
School Science Research Program that is
transforming how science is being taught at our
school. A MILE WIDE AND AN INCH DEEP DEALING
WITH THE MODERN CURRICULUM PACING GUIDE! As more
emphasis is placed on learning a large number of
facts in a short period of time, in order to
prepare students for yearly standardized tests,
less emphasis is placed on the nature and process
of science. This research program provides
students with the opportunity to actively engage
in the process of science.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS DESIGNED BY STUDENTS (Stu
dents designed this experiment to investigate the
relationship between the color of water and the
time it takes ice to melt. Scientists and
educators from the NHMFL have pitched in to guide
students as they generate their own research
questions, and develop research plans. The
mentorship provided through classroom visits and
email support has been a key to the programs
success. Our program also relies on the support
of scientists from Florida State Universitys
Biology and Geology Department, as well as CIRES
Earthworks scientists and other local
scientists. (Left A student investigates how
various ground covers affect soil temperatures.
Right A student studies the relationship between
the pH of water and plant growth.) GLOBE
PARTICIPATION Students compared local temperature
variations to other variations around the world,
searching for similarities and differences as
part of the GLOBE program. They analyzed data,
submitted reports, and peer reviewed reports from
other students around the country. (Students
collect temperatures with thermometers acquired
through a grant that is sponsored, in part, by
our NHMFL partner.)
PRESENT RESEARCH TO THE COMMUNITY Students share
their research with other students, parents,
teachers and scientists at a fall science fair,
and a spring scientific poster session. Our
partners from the NHMFL provide judges for the
fair in the fall. In the spring, they host the
poster session. At this event, scientists from
the lab mingle with students, provide feedback,
and give students a tour of the research lab.
(Left Students collecting and
examining invertebrates at a Florida State
University outreach program developed for middle
school students. Right A student investigates
how salinity affects other properties of
water.) (Below Jose Sanchez, of the NHMFL,
discusses a research project with a 6th grade
student at the Swift Creek Middle School science
fair. The keys to creating and
making a program like this a success include a
school administration that understands the
importance of students engaging in science,
continuous utilization of community resources,
and ongoing support from community partners.
David Rodriguez Swift Creek Middle School 2100
Pedrick Road Tallahassee, Florida
32317 cdrodriguez_at_mac.com




Dr. Pat Dixon, NHMFL Partner, helping students
learn about variables, and experimental design.
Dr. Dixons office has provided ongoing support
for our program.