Background
With the publication of Benchmarks for Science Literacy in 1993, Project 2061 recommended a coherent set of grade-specific learning goals in science, mathematics, and technology for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. These learning goals derived from the science literacy goals for all high school graduates that Project 2061 had outlined in its 1989 report Science for All Americans. As educators began to consider the far-reaching implications these goals would have for curriculum, instruction, and assessment, they turned to Project 2061 for help. In response, Project 2061 staff, in collaboration with teachers from the six Project 2061 School District Centers and a variety of consultants, developed a format, activities, and materials for professional development workshops designed to help educators learn more about Project 2061’s science education reform principles and strategy and to use its tools for reform. Since then, hundreds of educators have participated in Project 2061 workshops across the country.
Demand for Project 2061 workshops has grown rapidly. To fill this need and to encourage more educators to take an active role in fostering reform in their schools and school districts, Project 2061 has created this Guide. It brings together a wealth of activities, materials, and background information that have been used in Project 2061 workshops in a variety of settings and for a variety of audiences. By selecting appropriate activities, materials, and more from the many options that are included in the Guide, you can develop a workshop plan that will suit the specific needs and interests of your audience.
Organization of the Guide
Chapter 1: Preparing for a Project 2061 Workshop describes how to use the Guide itself and provides some suggestions for making the workshop planning process easier.
The largest part of the Guide is devoted to Chapter 2: Designing a Project 2061 Workshop. This chapter describes the essential components of a Project 2061 workshop and the rationale for each. It contains 60 sample presentation options that you can combine and modify to meet the needs of your audience. Each option includes a sample script and a list of materials. The transparencies and handouts provided for the option can be viewed and printed from within the option. Some options include additional readings for the workshop leader, as well.
Chapters 3 and 4 contain the handouts and transparencies that are referenced throughout the Guide. Chapter 5 contains selected readings for workshop leaders—including a listing of workshop goals and three sample workshop plans that can be used as models for designing your own workshops.