"Project Inquiry" is a teacher enhancement proposal for Bronx Community School District 9 to implement a systemic science and technology education program for all 810 K-6 teachers in 27 elementary schools.
Each teacher will receive a minimum of 118 hours of instruction over the five years. A facilitator-teacher in each school receives over 270 hours of inquiry-based science and methodology, technology, applications and leadership skills, in order to provide continuing school-site professional development. The training is conducted by a consortium of New York City agencies, including Classroom Connect, Lehman College, CCNY, and informal sites such as the American Museum of Natural History, The Bronx Zoo, New York Hall of Science, New York City Botanical Garden, Wave Hill and The Intrepid Museum among others.
Over 40 hours/year of training are in the use of NSF-supported materials (Insights and STC). Up to 4 district staff members and the 27 facilitators will provide continued training, technical assistance, coordination, science kit distribution, and refurbishment. In addition, parents at each school will be involved in science inquiry activities with the informal science partners.
A dedicated space in CES 4 houses the District Science Resource Center where workshops and resources are located. The project is an outgrowth of the district's involvement with the NYC and Bronx Urban Systemic Initiatives.
