Experimenting with Plants: Science Investigation Curriculum for Middle School Students

This project creates a community outreach component to Dr. Schaller's current research supported by the National Science Foundation. The project builds on another Dartmouth-Montshire Institute curriculum program, Environmental Detectives by expanding the repertoire of student investigations to include plant activities. Students conduct investigations that parallel the research process of Dr. Schaller's lab as they engage in designing bioassays for the effects of common chemicals on the germination and growth of plants. The project includes curricular support and professional development for participating teachers and features opportunities for direct interaction between the middle school teachers, their students, and scientists in Dr. Schaller's lab. G. Eric Schaller Gregory DeFrancis Rachel Donegan Project Principals: Scientific P.I.: G. Eric Schaller Associate Professor of Biology, Dartmouth College george.e.schaller@Dartmouth.edu Schaller research website Education Outreach P.I.: Greg DeFrancis Director of Education, Montshire Museum of Science greg.defrancis@montshire.org Program Manager: Rachel Donegan Montshire science educator Rachel.Donegan@montshire.org Project dates: 9/1/06 - 8/31/10 Project funding: Source: National Science Foundation Grant Recipient: Dartmouth College/Eric Schaller Project budget: $107,000 (over 5 years) For project information, contact one of the project principals.