We're going to AERA!

PhD candidate Chris Klager is scheduled to present his poster Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at the AERA conference. His current research on crafting science environments to encourage imaginative and inquisitive thinking is on the leading edge of education research. 

Curious? Here is a sneak preview!

Using Project-Based Science to Cultivate Imagination and Inquisitiveness in Science Learning Environments

Abstract:

Imaginative and inquisitive thinking are key elements of doing science, but also important skills for non-scientists to develop. As science teachers look for ways to implement NGSS, they have the opportunity to create learning environments where students have opportunities for imaginative thinking. We test project-based science intervention for secondary chemistry and physics students. We find that in both Finland and the US, teachers were able to craft classroom environments where student reported using more imaginative and inquisitive thinking. Developing and building models was a scientific practice that showed a substantial relationship with treatment effects. This work has implications for the types of strategies teachers might use to craft optimal science learning environments.