Students learn about the content from another perspective. Elementary education majors found an accessible resource in the secondary science education majors. Before this course, many of the elementary students got science information from the media or science instructors. Because of the forum, they communicated comfortably with peers who had strong interest and ability in science. At the same time, the secondary students gained insight into science understanding when they read and responded to the elementary students' questions and comments.
Students learn about children s concepts of the content at the other level.
Students at both levels shared strategies for teaching science concepts at their respective levels. They all learned more about child development across the range of ages. The forum refocused the students' attention on what can be expected of children at elementary through secondary school. Students appreciate the concerns and conditions in schooling at the other level. The elementary students have witnessed firsthand through the forum how a child's excitement about science can build into an important career.