Professional Development Resources and Program Costs. Participants also discuss ways to invite parental involvement and boost student achievement. Reviewers found the program goals to be challenging and appropriate. Sunflower facilitates the development of inquiry skills and makes science relevant by having students use their home, community, and school environments to make sense of the science around them. Strengths of the program include its instructional design, alignment between lesson goals and experiences, and varied opportunities for students to learn concepts and engage in inquiry.
Assessment is appropriate and designed to provide accurate information about student learning.
The design of an appendix with rubrics describing the depth of student learning is a valuable program feature. Usefulness to Others. Reviewers noted that materials and resources are inexpensive and do not require a large amount of teacher preparation. Directions on how to plan for a lesson are well-written, and a table is provided to help teachers understand how this program can fit into the academic year. Sunflower's learning goals reflect the vision promoted in the national science standards to have all students develop the ability to engage in scientific inquiry.