DIScovery SciEnce through

Computational Thinking

(DISSECT)

Enrico Pontelli

What is NSF?DISSECT – grant from the National Science FoundationAn independent federal agency

created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…”

NSF grants funding to institutions to promote innovation, education and progress

What is GK-12?NSF Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12)

Supports fellowships and training for graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Interactions with teachers and students in K-12 schools Improve communication and teaching skills Enrich STEM content and instruction for their K-12 partners

What is GK-12?Create a coherent program

Enable Fellows to expand their research and skillsTarget a specific K-12 intervention

Fellowships for Graduate Students1 or 2 years$30,000 per year + some support for tuitions and fees

Stipends for Teachers

What is DISSECT?NMSU’s GK-12 Effort3 to 5 years program4 to 9 fellows per year9 teachers per yearDISSECT = DIScover SciEnce through Computational Thinking

The “Spirit” of DISSECTCore motivation

Computer Science is a pervasive science“All Science is Computer Science”Yet

Science is not taught with this perspective Computer scientists are not trained with this perspective

The “Spirit” of DISSECTOverarching goals1. Create a new generation of computer scientists

Nurture a broad view of CS research as instrument for progress in diverse scientific disciplinesPrepare CS researchers to be effective in such a broader area

The “Spirit” of DISSECT2. Create new strategies to teach a more modern

science• Develop computational skills• Explore science through computational views

Our Concrete GoalsFellows goals

Expand their research reachComputational research: explore integration with other disciplines (within and outside of computing)Non-computational research: expand enhanced use of computational methods

Enhance communication skillsTraining in pedagogical methodsTraining and practice in delivery scientific content to a diverse and broad audience

Our Concrete GoalsInstructor goals

Training in computational thinking and computational methodsAssistance and support in introducing computational components in science coursesDevelopment of long-term methods to expand students’ preparation in computational thinking

Your Role: DISSECT Fellow

You are the scientists

Share your research expertise among yourselvesLearn new techniques and technologies, explore collaborations among yourselvesExplore how to apply your collaborative research knowledge to bring computational thinking in K-12 science classes

Create educational modules and materialsAssist in training instructors and students

Learn new things, work as a team, have fun!More about expectations later on…

Your Role: DISSECT Teacher

You are the educational experts

Share your expertise in K-12 systems, educational methods and practicesShare your expertise in Science education and standardsLearn computational thinking and methodsCollaborate in developing new modules and materials for Science education based on computational methods

Why are we here today?Preliminary training workshop

Learn about DISSECTMeet the team membersStart planning the semester activities

The first of a series of meetings