Museum of Science and Industry

NEW INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO IMPROVING SCIENCE EDUCATION ADDRESSES CRITICAL GAP IN QUALITY SCIENCE TEACHING

Joint Program by Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology First of its Kind in Nation

Chicago (May 6, 2010)—An innovative new program aims to improve the science achievement of students by better preparing their teachers through a partnership that pairs the strengths of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

The MSI/IIT Quality Science Teaching Partnership is the first museum/university partnership of its kind in the nation to offer a Master of Science Education degree or a Middle-School Science Endorsement by attending classes both at the Museum and University. Through the MSI courses, teachers will develop a broad background in science that aligns with national science standards and local curriculum. IIT’s research in the effective delivery of science content and classroom instructional practices provides a foundation for the program’s structure and approach. IIT also provides required courses such as curriculum and adolescent psychology.

In Chicago, like many school districts across the nation, more than 70 percent of teachers who teach middle-school science do not have a degree or endorsement in science. Chicago Public Schools now requires an endorsement for middle-school science teachers. 

“Without the content and teaching strategies, research confirms that these teachers are left at a disadvantage to create the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said David Mosena, MSI president and chief executive officer. “Every child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in science and technology from well-qualified science teachers, and this ground-breaking partnership serves teachers whose students are most in need of improved science instruction.”

The MSI/IIT partnership builds on the strengths of each institution. MSI has successfully supported creating quality science teachers for the last three years through its professional development programs that leverage the content of the Museum in combination with inquiry-based and hands-on instructional practices. IIT is known for its contributions to design, innovation, engineering and technology and is renowned for bridging these strengths into education through its Mathematics and Science Education Department. 

“IIT’s internationally known Department of Mathematics and Science Education is a strong advocate of inquiry-based science teaching and learning. In order to successfully teach in an inquiry-oriented manner, teachers need to have strong foundational knowledge in subject matter as well as exemplary pedagogical skills,” said Dr. Norman Lederman, chair of the Mathematics and Science Education Department (MSED).

According to Dr. Judith Lederman, director of teacher education at MSED, “the Department’s strong commitment to the value of community-based resources was one of the guiding forces behind the development of the IIT teacher education program as well as this partnership.”

The Museum first began working with IIT in 2007 to offer educators credit coursework. About 90 percent of the teachers currently taking MSI coursework largely serve children from low-income households. Each year, these teachers impact the science potential and opportunity of more than 5,000 students.

Three years of evaluation by MSI confirm that teacher participation in Museum courses directly improved their classroom teaching and increased their understanding of science content and their familiarity with and enthusiasm for using of hands-on, inquiry-based practices.  MSI research also disclosed that as teacher competency grew, students’ positive attitudes about and understanding of science also progressed.

“We are thrilled with the impact that we have made on these teachers, and in turn, on the students in their classrooms,” Mosena said. “Through our new partnership with IIT, we expect to grow the program and reach an even larger number of teachers in need.” 

To help remove barriers to participation, courses at IIT are offered at a reduced tuition rate to make it more accessible to teachers. Participating teachers begin their coursework at the Museum, where they learn topic-focused science activities at six daylong sessions held throughout the academic year. Teachers receive lesson plans, materials to replicate activities in their classrooms, and a class field trip that includes funding for buses and an educational program for students. The Museum is now taking applications for its summer courses. For more information about the Museum’s courses, please contact Nicole Kowrach, MSI’s Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, at (773) 753-6206.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open every day except Dec. 25, and regular hours are 9:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

Founded in 1890, the Illinois Institute of Technology is a Ph.D.-granting university with more than 7,700 students in engineering, sciences, architecture, psychology, design, humanities, business and law. IIT's interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum is designed to advance knowledge through research and scholarship, to cultivate invention improving the human condition, and to prepare students from throughout the world for a life of professional achievement, service to society, and individual fulfillment. Visit www.iit.edu.

Press Materials

• About the MSI / IIT Partnership (PDF)
• About the MSI Courses (PDF)