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History and Development of the Math, Science and Language Arts Curriculum
During the spring 2007 residential session, The Discovery Center introduced a Math, Science and Language Arts curriculum for the 5th and 6th grade sessions. The curriculum was designed by Lynn Gaumont from the University of Hartford Magnet Schools and Cheryl Kloczko, Ass' t Superintendent of Schools for Special Projects in the Torrington School District. The content and performance standards for the curriculum are based upon the State of Connecticut Department of Education guidelines and requirements. Since 2007, the Math, Science and Language Arts curriculum has been evaluated and upgraded by Sharon Roberts, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, in coordination with participating teachers and curriculum supervisors. The curriculum is reviewed annually by representatives from Capital Region Education Council and the Connecticut Department of Education.
Rationale:
The Math, Science and Language Arts curriculum was developed and included in The Discovery Center program to improve student performance on the math, science and language arts testing on Connecticut Mastery Tests and reduce the achievement gap between urban and suburban schools districts. Classes are experiential and are designed to stimulate interest and build confidence. The natural environment of 125 acres of some of the most beautiful land in Connecticut is used as the setting for classes.
Evaluations:
Evaluations of the math, science and language arts curriculum have been very positive with students improving an average of 25% in each area based upon academic testing. Teachers report that students are much more academically motivated in math,science and language arts after attending a 5th or 6th grade session. Students demonstrate more interest and enthusiasm in academic material and work together very effectively regardless of racial, cultural or socio - economic background.
Instructional Model:
The teaching approach is based upon the 5 E Instructional Model where content standards and performance bench marks are clearly identified. Each class is broken down for the student into the following areas: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
- Engage: students convene as a whole group and participate in a mini-lesson where the teacher models a hands-on activity to develop background knowledge and basic understanding of concepts.
- Explore: students, working in pairs or small groups, rotate through learning tasks. As they complete these sections, students record in their individual science journals observations.
- Explain: students explain their thinking in their individual science journals.
- Elaborate: students share their learning within the small groups.
- Evaluate: this serves as the end of the lesson, students reconvene as a whole group to reflect upon learning and to determine conclusions. Students also debrief, sharing their science journal recordings and summaries of concepts presented through the learning tasks.
The 5 E Instructional Model will also support The Discovery Center in future funding requests to major corporations as well as its work to procure state and federal grant monies. Knowledge and application of science and math skills, concepts, and strategies are critical concerns of state and federal agencies as well as science based industries.
Members of The Discovery Center Task Force will monitor and refine the development and implementation of the new curriculum. The Board of Directors and Executive Director for The Discovery Center carefully monitor the implementation process.
Typical Session Schedule:
( Academic Programs are changed to meet the needs of the schools)
5th grade session - Click on to see the schedule.
6th grade session - Click on to see the schedule.
For questions about the Math, Science and Language Arts Curriculum
Contact: Sharon Roberts - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Tel: 860 - 681 - 2722
The Discovery Center Math, Science and Language Arts curriculum is protected by copy write laws and cannot be duplicated without written approval.
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