Interactive Science

Interactive Science is a comprehensive K-8 science program,that utilizes the practices in science instruction, featuring the Understanding by Design learning framework, the 5-E Instructional Model, and an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as 21st Century skills.^[1] Written by an influential team of scientists and science educators, the Interactive Science program is based on research and effective pedagogy.

Interactive Science is organized into three pathways – Reading, Inquiry and Digital – Interactive Science engages students with experiences that make science personal and relevant. Through the use of a write-in student edition and a robust Digital Path, Interactive Science makes students the owners of their scientific understandings while developing enduring comprehension of the big ideas of science.^[2]

A wide range of multimedia resources are available with the Interactive Science program. The Interactive Science Digital Path offers the complete student edition online as well as a robust digital companion to the text that makes chapter and lesson content interactive. With at least one resource for each phase of the 5E instructional model, students have a variety of opportunities to engage the science content through technology: Untamed Science videos introducing each chapter; links to real-world and up-to-date examples on the My Planet Diary Web site; and a full range of online activities—Interactive Art, Art in Motion, Real World Inquiry, and Virtual Labs. In addition, student and teacher editions are now available on eText for iPad.^[3]

Authors

* Don Buckley, M.Sc Don Buckley has been at the forefront of K–12 educational technologies for nearly two decades. A founder of New York City Independent School Technologists (NYCIST) and long-time chair of New York Association of Independent School’s annual IT conference, he has taught students on two continents and created multimedia and Internet-based instructional systems for schools around the world.

* Zipporah Miller, M.A.Ed. Zipporah Miller, is the former K–12 science supervisor and STEM coordinator for the Prince George’s County (MD) Public School District. Miller has overseen curriculum development and staff training for more than 150 district science coordinators. Miller’s commitment to providing high-quality professional development and resources to science educators and administrators nationwide has made her a respected leader in the science community.

* Mike Padilla, Ph.D. Michael J. Padilla is a professor of science education and the former Director of the Eugene T. Moore School of Education at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. He was formerly a professor, associate dean and department chair of Science Education at the University of Georgia. Dr. Padilla has taught science in the middle and secondary school, has expertise in middle grades teacher education and served as one of the writers of the U.S. National Science Education Standards, released in 1996. He has extensive leadership experience, having served as PI on three NSF and numerous US Department of Education grants for a total of over $35 million in funding. In recent years he has focused on the issue of English Language Learners through the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education, which he directed. Dr. Padilla was recognized as the Aderhold Distinguished Professor in the UGA College of Education, received The Walter B. Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service at the University of Georgia, and was presented with the NSTA Distinguished Service award in 2003 and its Robert H. Carleton award for national leadership in 2012. He served as president of the National Science Teachers Association, the world’s largest science teaching organization, in 2005-6.

* Kathryn Thornton, Ph.D. Selected by NASA in May 1984, Dr. Thornton is a veteran of four space flights. She has logged over 975 hours in space, including more than 21 hours of extravehicular activity. As an author on the Scott Foresman Science series, Dr. Thornton’s enthusiasm for science has inspired teachers around the globe. Dr. Thornton is currently the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science.

* Grant Wiggins, Ed.D. Award-winning co-author (Wiggins and McTighe) on the highly successful curriculum textbook entitled Understanding by Design published by ASCD, Grant Wiggins is one of the most influential educational reformers today. Grant consults with schools, districts and state education departments on a variety of reform matters; organizes conferences and workshops; and develops print materials and web resources on curricular change. Grant Wiggins is the President of Authentic Education in Hopewell, New Jersey.

* Michael Wysession, Ph.D. An author on more than 50 scientific publications, Dr. Wysession was awarded the prestigious Packard Foundation Fellowship and Presidential Faculty Fellowship for his research in geophysics. Dr. Wysession is an expert on Earth's inner structure and has mapped various regions of the Earth using seismic tomography. Internationally known for his work in geoscience education and outreach, Dr. Wysession is an Associate Professor in Earth and Planetary Science at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

References