Elementary Science Story Lines With Arts Adaptations: A Research-Practice Partnership

• In Event: Applied Research on Science Education in Schools

Abstract

Educators recognize teaching science and arts together can increase student’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Planning and implementing science lessons that increase these skills can be accomplished by making adaptations to curricula with arts integration. Teachers need time and opportunity to learn these skills and practice the implementation. This iterative research study employed a research-practice partnership to implement a professional learning opportunity for elementary teachers to make adaptations to science lessons with arts. Qualitative data collection and analysis focused on the partnership, professional learning, and planning and implementation activities resulting in the themes of alignment, value, community, and professional learning. The partners and teachers were excited to collaborate and gain new knowledge and skills for themselves that help their students.

Authors

• Heather Leary, Brigham Young University

• Karen Brock, Provo City School District

• Chris Roberts, Provo City School District

• Amy Rosenvall, Provo City School District