Science IDEAS Online

A Research-Validated Instructional Model

Related References

The original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model evolved over a number of years. The initial study reported in 1992 (Romance & Vitale, 1992) showed that 4th grade Science IDEAS students displayed higher achievement on nationally-normed tests in reading comprehension and in science (in comparison to demographically similar students) and more positive attitudes and self-confidence toward reading comprehension and science. This research was recognized by the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and by the Florida Educational Research Association .

Expansion of the Science IDEAS model to over 50 classrooms and 1200 students across grades 4, and 5 having diverse (e.g., at risk) student populations was reported in 2001 (Romance & Vitale, 2001). Again, the same patterns of findings on nationally-normed achievement tests in reading comprehension and science along with positive affective outcomes were obtained. More recent research findings have been supported through a multi-year project funded by NSF/IERI funding that began in 2002. These findings are reported in detail on the ScienceIDEAS.org web page.

Primary Science IDEAS is a downward extension of the grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS Mode. The same six instructional elements and curricular planning strategies are used to build multiday lessons. However, the implementation of the elements have been modified to be age-appropriate for younger students.

Given the preceding, Primary Science IDEAS is different from the original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model in two important features. The original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model replaced “regular” reading/language arts with in-depth, integrated science instruction for 1.5 to 2 hours per day. In the original model, literature was addresses in a separate 30 minute daily time block.

Unlike the original grade 3-4-5 model, Primary Science IDEAS does not replace regular reading/language arts instruction. Rather, it is implemented through a daily 45 minute time block which includes a 15 minute reallocation from reading/language arts along with a 30 minute daily time block typically scheduled for science.

Primary Science IDEAS has proven to be highly effective in accelerating student achievement in grades 1-2 on the ITBS Reading Comprehension and Science subtests. Specific research findings can be found in the menus for this web-page.

Rationale and Policy Implications associated with Primary Science IDEAS are the same as those for the original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model (see scienceideas.org)


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Primary Science IDEAS Overview Primary Science IDEAS Research Findings Primary Science IDEAS Implications References	A Research-Validated Instructional Model Related References The original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model evolved over a number of years. The initial study reported in 1992 (Romance & Vitale, 1992) showed that 4th grade Science IDEAS students displayed higher achievement on nationally-normed tests in reading comprehension and in science (in comparison to demographically similar students) and more positive attitudes and self-confidence toward reading comprehension and science. This research was recognized by the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and by the Florida Educational Research Association . Expansion of the Science IDEAS model to over 50 classrooms and 1200 students across grades 4, and 5 having diverse (e.g., at risk) student populations was reported in 2001 (Romance & Vitale, 2001). Again, the same patterns of findings on nationally-normed achievement tests in reading comprehension and science along with positive affective outcomes were obtained. More recent research findings have been supported through a multi-year project funded by NSF/IERI funding that began in 2002. These findings are reported in detail on the ScienceIDEAS.org web page. Primary Science IDEAS is a downward extension of the grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS Mode. The same six instructional elements and curricular planning strategies are used to build multiday lessons. However, the implementation of the elements have been modified to be age-appropriate for younger students. Given the preceding, Primary Science IDEAS is different from the original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model in two important features. The original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model replaced “regular” reading/language arts with in-depth, integrated science instruction for 1.5 to 2 hours per day. In the original model, literature was addresses in a separate 30 minute daily time block. Unlike the original grade 3-4-5 model, Primary Science IDEAS does not replace regular reading/language arts instruction. Rather, it is implemented through a daily 45 minute time block which includes a 15 minute reallocation from reading/language arts along with a 30 minute daily time block typically scheduled for science. Primary Science IDEAS has proven to be highly effective in accelerating student achievement in grades 1-2 on the ITBS Reading Comprehension and Science subtests. Specific research findings can be found in the menus for this web-page. Rationale and Policy Implications associated with Primary Science IDEAS are the same as those for the original grade 3-4-5 Science IDEAS model (see scienceideas.org)