Understanding Science

The fundamental goal of Understanding Science is to improve the science achievement of K-8 students, especially English learners and students with poor literacy skills, by building the content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of their teachers. This helps teachers, beginning to veteran, help their students make sense of science in ways that lead to a deeper, more connected, conceptual understanding in science.

Since 1998, the Understanding Science program has worked with more than 1000 teachers in 20 states, impacting an estimated 26,000 students. Research shows that Understanding Science positively impacts both teacher knowledge and student achievement. An especially encouraging result is that low-performing students make the biggest gains.

Our tools and processes for supporting teacher professional growth include:

Case-based professional development model designed to help teachers learn science content in combination with student thinking and teaching. more»

Professional development modules address different topics and grade spans (e.g., electric circuits in grades 3-5) and are nationally field-tested for use in existing science professional development programs. more»

Five-day Leadership Academies designed to help teacher leaders and professional developers deepen their science content knowledge and facilitation skills. Academies also help participants gain familiarity with Understanding Science as a tool for improving science professional development at their site. more»