2015 Institute for the Advancement of Inquiry Based Science Teaching

For the third summer, Mathematics and Science Education (MSED) hosted the Institute for the Advancement of Inquiry Based Science Teaching (IAIBST) workshop. The event, sponsored by Intel China and Beijing and Normal University, is an annual two-week workshop that focuses on science subject matter and its interaction with engineering, using technology in science teaching, science inquiry, and nature of science.

IAIBST participants included a national consortium of 30 exemplary and award-winning teachers from areas throughout China. Distinguished Professor Norman Lederman and Associate Professor Judith Lederman organized the workshop and provided instruction. The science teachers worked from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily, and when the workshop let out, they had an opportunity to experience Chicago. They visited the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute, and Navy Pier, attended a White Sox game, and even had a barbeque at the Lederman’s' home.

The goal of IAIBST is to help increase the number of Chinese science educators and build a knowledge base for these educators, who work on a continuing basis with science teachers throughout China. To learn more about IAIBST; contact Norman Lederman, ledermann@iit.edu.