For Immediate Release
June 19, 2006
Contact: Melanie McDonald, director of public relations, 574-284-4579

Cutting-edge Science Instruction for Mishawaka Teachers Saint Mary’s College Professor Leads the Program

NOTRE DAME, Ind.— Mishawaka elementary school teachers have returned to
Saint Mary’s for phase two of the Teacher Science Institute (TSI), which
began last summer. They will build upon their knowledge of a
cutting-edge science instruction technique called “guided inquiry,”
taught using the Full Option Science System (FOSS). Dr. Joseph Bellina,
Jr., a Saint Mary’s physics professor, leads the Institute. It runs
through Friday.

“The FOSS curriculum that School City of Mishawaka has chosen encourages
students to explore and experience the world in a hands-on and mind-on
way that is similar to how professional scientists learn. As a result,
the children in the Mishawaka Elementary Schools look forward to doing
science,” says Bellina. “Science is discovery, and discovery is fun.
That’s what guided inquiry is all about.”

A typical workshop session during the institute involves teachers
sitting at tables with partners, reviewing their work with students this
past year, discussing and assessing their work to improve it for next
year. Questions and directions from the TSI team leaders prompt
participants to enhance their engagement in student learning by
developing better questioning skills, and by using student notebooks to
integrate science and literacy.

The Teacher Science Institute is funded by a $420,000 Mathematics and
Science Partnership (MSP) grant awarded to School City of Mishawaka by
the Indiana Department of Education. The MSP program was designed to
encourage colleges and universities, local school districts and
individual schools to participate in professional development activities
that increase the knowledge and improve the teaching techniques of math
and science teachers. In Indiana, funds must be used to promote and
enhance inquiry-based learning in science at the elementary level.
Another TSI for a second group of teachers will be held July 31 through
Aug. 4.

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TSI CONTACT: Dr. Joseph Bellina, 284-4662, jbellina@saintmarys.edu
SMC06-25