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Goals
Partner teachers and science graduate students to make an exceptional science teaching team
Give teachers enhanced exposure to science topics
Train participants, both teachers and Fellows, in inquiry-based science experiments
Leave lasting impression and feeling of confidence towards science for teachers involved
Enhance scientific learning for students in grades 3 through
Structure
Teachers from Columbus Public Elementary Schools in grades 3rd- 5th are selected through application process to join program
The GK-12 program recruits new teachers from new schools each year in order expand science exposure throughout the Columbus Public School District as well as districts around Columbus
Graduate students from the College of Math & Physical Sciences and the College of Engineering apply and are selected to be Fellows
The Fellows are paired with two teachers who then become a Teacher/Fellow team for the academic year
In the Classroom
Fellows are present in the classroom from late September to June
Each Fellow spends ten hours a week within the classroom, teaching and assisting the classroom teacher with inquiry-based science topics
Teachers and Fellows agree on specific science times when science lessons will be given each week
Teachers participating in the program are asked to collaborate with the Fellows during the lesson development process, as well as on planning time outside of class
Fellows utilize resources available to them, including the GK-12 office which has materials and supplies, as well as the GK-12 Lessons Page, where past lessons are posted
Teachers eventually take over more responsibility in leading science lessons as they become more confident in scientific topics
Other Requirements
There are weekly meetings that the Fellows attend in order to exchange ideas, share lessons and communicate with the administrators
Fellows and teachers are required to attend two Professional Development workshops as well as two Focus meetings during the year
Professional Development workshops are held on official PD days and are organized through Columbus Public Schools
Focus meetings give the teachers, Fellows, and principals from each school an opportunity to interact and share progress and ideas with participants from other schools
Year at a Glance
Summer before school year starts there is a 3-day workshop to train teachers and Fellows about inquiry-based science
Fellows observe classroom setting during September in order to familiarize themselves with elementary class setting
First lesson plan is given by first week in October
During the fall the first Professional Development workshop takes place (specific date determined by Columbus Public Schools)
First Focus meeting occurs in January
Second Professional Development workshop takes place in winter
Second Focus meeting takes place in May
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“The GK-12 Program is a wonderful, collaborative relationship between Ohio State and Columbus Public Schools. The fellows bring their deep knowledge of science. The kids love having them there. Most importantly, we are doing a better job of teaching science."
-Amy Nolan, Maize Elementary
“This program reinvigorates me as a teacher by working with an OSU science grad student with fresh ideas and insights.”
-Joan Johnson, Douglas Elementary
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