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What is the core curriculum of the SEDNet program?
The core curriculum is Project ARIES (Astronomy Resources for Intercurricular Elementary Science). ARIES, 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 includes 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 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.
ARIES is aligned with all pertinent Standards for elementary and middle school physical and space science.
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 complete ARIES modules are available from
Charlesbridge
Publishing Company. Specify which of the eight self-contained modules you wish to purchase.
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Charlesbridge Publishing Company 85 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 (617) 926-0329 |
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, 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.
Project SEDNet
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Science Education Department
60 Garden Street, MS-71
Cambridge MA 02138
(617)495-9798
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