Evaluating a Unit Aim at Helping Students Understand Matter and Energy for Growth and Activity

• In Event: 64.088 - Sheraton Roundtable 12 - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 64.088-5 - Roundtable: Research on Curriculum Design for Science Learning

Abstract

To support implementation of the NGSS, we designed a high school biology unit, Matter and Energy for Growth and Activity (MEGA), that engages students explaining physical and life science phenomena using evidence, models, and science ideas about matter and energy changes and transfers within and between systems. The unit’s promise was evaluated using a randomized control trial involving fifteen teachers from two schools. Teachers were randomly assigned to implement either the MEGA unit or teacher-developed activities that targeted the same learning goals. Data from the pre- and post-tests showed that students in the treatment group outperformed the comparison group, indicating the MEGA unit has promise in improving students’ understanding. Our analysis also provided information on possible revisions to the unit.

Authors

• Cari F. Herrmann-Abell, BSCS Science Learning

• Joseph Hardcastle, American Association for the Advancement of Science

• Jo Ellen Roseman, American Association for the Advancement of Science