The purpose of the project is to develop, for elementary education majors, a new activities-based science course that will interconnect the science disciplines and will connect science learning to the "real-world" environment, preparing them to teach the integrated Science Core Content for Assessment in Kentucky. The development is to be accomplished by the WKU Project NOVA Team, which is comprised of science and science education faculty who are knowledgeable practitioners and strong promoters of standards-based science education in Kentucky and the nation.

Inclusion of specific course structures that incorporate in-depth subject matter content, innovative instructional methods, and authentic assessment of student learning, provides assurance for success. The course will be designed to interrelate various content areas of science – particularly physics and astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geography and geology – and will utilize current instructional methodologies, such as inquiry, the learning cycle, and constructivism. Assessment of student learning will include methods that are consistent with the assessment techniques currently being used in our schools during this period of education reform.

The NOVA Team uses a collaborative approach involving science faculty, education faculty, and practicing science teachers at the elementary level. The two team members who are PRISM Region 2 Network Co-Directors provide access to the expertise of Network teachers.

The strength of the institutional commitment of Western Kentucky University is indicated by the support of the respective Deans of the Ogden College of Science, Technology, and Health and College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the provision of faculty time.

The objectives and activities of the project will institute standards-based, inquiry-based learning of science for elementary teacher candidates by providing them with learning experiences that will produce confident and excellent teachers. They will be equipped to enter their classrooms with content knowledge, teaching methodology, and materials and techniques for student-centered activities.

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