Curriculum Construction - Ext. Theory

Anchored in achieving four instructional goals, Curriculum Construction - Extending Theory into Practice provides curriculum developers with the necessary tools effectively integrate science and math concepts through the teachings of Design and Technology (D&T).  Emphasis in developing skills in producing D&T hands-on activities that deliver the required content, satisfy the demands of the state standards, and provide results for authentic assessment was employed by the visiting scholars.  Further development of key strategies implementing the aforementioned curricular materials/activities coupled with the understanding of Project UPDATE's research and assessment initiative as it applies to the individual educator's realm gave course participants the ability to document and assess their own delivery as well as their students' learning.  Finally, educators were asked to revisit their teaching components for possible modifications so that the skills could be passed to other educators desiring increased student achievement.  All course participants worked collaboratively to develop ACTPlans, or D&T activities linking to standards, utilizing these instructional goals.

The author developed and presented a lesson from a larger unit on Linear and Rotary Motion using 'pop-up' technology; this unit is currently being revised and developed as both a Web Quest offering as well as an interactive CD-ROM for students.  Each IT integrated platform will include opportunities for the student to complete the necessary documentation requirements in either paper or electronic format, and both provide for self-assessment capabilities as well.  The introduction of the educational technology aspect has heightened interest from other NSF funded programs, and serves as an avenue for future curricular and assessment growth.

Sample Projects:

ACTPlan Development

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