Project
SEDNet
A
Nationwide Educational Leadership Program
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does the ARIES curriculum align with the National Science Standards?
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How do I purchase the Astronomy Village™ multimedia program?
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Where can I find out about signing up for a teacher workshop?
What is the core curriculum of the SEDNet program?
Two exemplary core curricula, to be complemented by other activity-based programs, have been chosen for the pilot phase: Project ARIES and Astronomy Village™. Project ARIES (Astronomy Resources for Intercurricular Elementary Science) , funded by the NSF, is an astronomy-based physical science curriculum for use in grades 3-8. It uses innovative, simple, and affordable apparatus to carry out a wide range of indoor and outdoor hands-on activities. The finished curriculum will include eight self-contained modules, all with numerous intercurricular and multicultural extensions. The materials can be used for 12-16 weeks, if science is done two to three hours per week. ARIES meets all pertinent Standards for elementary and middle school physical and space science.
ARIES was field tested in more than 100 classrooms in 22 states. Comparison assessment results show that students using ARIES significantly outperformed students in control classrooms where the same topics were taught.
Astronomy Village™ is a multimedia program designed to supplement 7-8th grade astronomy and space science curricula. The program is composed of a comprehensive teacher's guide, a CD-ROM packed with numerous resources and tools for students to investigate, and activity guides. The investigations focus on stellar evolution, time and distance scales, extra-galactic planetary systems, and instrumentation.
How does the philosophy of Project SEDNet encourage professional development for teachers of science?
To change the vision of science and how it is taught and learned - the goal of the Standards - is inseparably linked to the professional development of preservice and practicing teachers. Implicit in the curricular and teaching reforms called for by the National Science Education Standards (NSES) is the need for an equally substantive change in professional development practices at all levels. Classroom teachers themselves need to experience this new vision of science if it is ever to be conveyed to the students.
The major characteristics of SEDNet match the four professional development standards of the NSES. In order, the professional development of teachers of science requires: learning essential science content through perspectives and methods of inquiry; integrating knowledge of science, learning, pedagogy, and students; building understanding and ability for lifelong learning; and (designing) programs that are coherent and integrated. The curricula we use and the pedagogical approach we take, coupled with the intrinsic interest in astronomy by teachers and students alike, all serve to support the professional development experiences called for in the Standards.
How does the ARIES curriculum align with the National Science Standards?
Click here to see a matrix of how Project ARIES aligns with the National Science Education Standards (1996)
How do I purchase the ARIES curriculum?
The Project ARIES teacher guide and student science journals for the different modules are available from Charlesbridge Publishing Company. Specify which of the eight self-contained modules you wish to purchase.
Charlesbridge Publishing Company
85 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 926-0329
How do I purchase the Astronomy Village™ multimedia program?
Astronomy Village™ is a multimedia program available at minimal cost from:
NASA Classroom of the Future
Wheeling Jesuit University
316 Washington Ave.
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 243-2493
Where can I find out about signing up for a teacher workshop?
Teacher workshops are conducted by individual Challenger Learning Centers. Click on our EVENTS section and locate the SEDNet CLC convenient to you.
How do I find out about a Challenger Center in my area?
Click on the map below, then select your region.
How do I know that ARIES will work in my classroom?
Cheryl Casper of Casper Associates has evaluated the effect of SEDNet materials on classroom teachers and on students in the middle grades. A summative and a formative evaluation are available.
Cheryl Casper
Casper Associates, Inc
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 244-1001
Where can I get answers to additional questions?
Send us an email or write to us at the address below, and we would be happy to respond to any specific questions that you may have.
