The Seattle Partnership for Inquiry-Based Science is supported by a National Science Foundation grant for Local Systemic Change. Program development is guided by a Leadership Team composed of representatives from each of the partner organizations. Three science kits have been adopted for each grade level, K-5, by the Seattle School District. A central warehousing system is being established for kit maintenance and distribution at Cooper School.
Teacher training takes place in two summer institutes.
In-service days during the school year address other topics such as integration of science with other subjects and student assessment. In addition, resource teachers visit classrooms to support teachers, assist with science units, and guide teachers in developing their professional development plan. The role of the scientist is integral to the success of this program. We will recruit over 300 volunteers from the scientific community to participate in the summer institutes and support the Family Science Program. Scientists must attend a training session designed to familiarize them with inquiry-based science teaching and to emphasis that their primary role is supporting teachers in the process of discovery.