Science Education
In partnership with the local school divisions and the surrounding community, the Department of Energy (DOE) Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is dedicated to providing educational opportunities in math and science to students, teachers, parents, and the general public. More than 12,000 students and 1,500 teachers interacted with Jefferson Lab scientists and engineers who shared their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm.
The DOE Academies Creating Teacher Scientists (ACTS) program at Jefferson Lab is funded by the DOE Office of Science. ACTS is a four-week summer classroom and research program for 5th - 8th grade teachers designed to:
Each summer, Jefferson Lab's ACTS program includes the following components: a rigorous course in basic science (chemistry in 2008, geophysics in 2009, physics in 2010) taught by an expert teacher from a local high school; lectures on current research by Jefferson Lab staff; workshops on effective teaching methods for the physical sciences; and experiential learning under the guidance of Jefferson Lab staff. All ACTS components address the National Science Education Standards and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).
An important component of the Jefferson Lab ACTS program is that Lab staff work with each teacher to create a professional development plan. Each plan includes specific content areas tailored to strengthen the participant's ability to teach the physical sciences and methodology designed to improve science and math activities for use in the classroom.
All participants take a test on the first and last day of the program to measure science content knowledge. On average, test scores increase by 23 percentage points over the course of the program.
Two years ago I was looking for answers. My 5th grade students had just dropped 9 points to 63% passing for the science SOL test. After my first summer at JLab, I returned to my classroom armed with many engaging hands-on activities and a deeper knowledge of my science content. As a result, my science scores shot up to 92%. After last year, I maintained my excellent record with my students achieving an 89% passing rate. While I don't have empirical evidence that my ACTS/JLab experience was the main reason for this dramatic rise, I know ACTS was at least partly responsible. Steve Geiger, McIntosh Elementary School, Newport News, Virginia
As a teacher who didn't take any science classes but was placed in a science position, I was very nervous and intimidated by the material. Working at the Jefferson Lab for the previous 2 summers has increased my knowledge and confidence in my teaching abilities. Melissa White, Davis Middle School, Hampton, Virginia
ACTS has given me so much confidence in what I know and what I am capable of doing. I have grown from the teacher who is asking other teachers about science to the teacher others are coming to with questions. I don't always have the answers, but through the wonderful resources I've learned about, I know where to look for those answers and I have developed a network of fellow teachers whom I can e-mail to get answers and/or suggestions. Lisa Bolin, John Adams Middle School, Rochester, Minnesota
I have personally benefited because my knowledge base and understanding of many topics have improved dramatically. I am now able to answer the harder questions and present material in a clear manner and with more confidence. I have also been able to share my knowledge and materials with other teachers at my school and thus all our students have benefited. Dave Lawrence, Great Bridge Middle School, Chesapeake, Virginia
By exposing teachers to the basic research process, ACTS helps to refine and enhance teacher understanding of basic science inquiry. I can present this new understanding to middle students in a manner that gets students invigorated about science as an application to their everyday lives. If science is perceived as relevant to students, then this will help to not only keep their interest, but also serve as a 'seed' for future study and possible career choice. Carmen Fragapane, Grafton Middle School, Yorktown, Virginia
Please visit the ACTS Program at Jefferson Lab web site for additional information and application instructions.
This page is maintained by Steve Gagnon.