Science Through Engaging Performance (STEP)

Year Awarded: 2006
Project Leaders:
Lynnette Overby, Theatre; Norman Lownds, Horticulture; Maxine Cain, Sankofa Schule Public School Academy

Project Description:
The proposed project Science Through Engaging Performance, (STEP) is designed to enhance teaching and learning of science through the development and implementation of interdisciplinary lessons based on interaction at the 4-H Children's Garden and follow-up professional development and support. Thirty teachers from Lansing Charter schools will receive in-depth training during a wee long summer institute in 2006. They will participate in 4 professional development programs during 2006. During the institute and follow-up workshops they will become immersed in creative dance, as well as science knowledge. They will be provided with theory based information that will support the underlying premise of interdisciplinary approaches to learning. The teachers will design lessons based on their own curricular needs with Lesson Study as a guide. The ArtsBridge Scholars will provide weekly assistance to the teachers, as they begin to implement the lessons in their classrooms. The students of these teachers will be involved in a research project that will pre-test, mid-test, and post-test their knowledge of science and dance. A matched control group of students will be used as a source of comparison. The project will add to the growing body of literature that demonstrates the power of the arts to enhance learning.