Research has been integral to Foundations of Science Literacy (FSL) since its inception, both to inform its development and to provide empirical evidence of its efficacy in promoting high quality, early science learning.
Empirical Evidence
In a randomized control trial, we investigated the impact of FSL on classrooms, teachers, and children. Classrooms were randomly assigned to participate in FSL during a school year (FSL group) or to continue with “business as usual” (Control group). To evaluate the impact of participation in FSL, both FSL and Control classrooms were assessed in multiple ways during the fall (pre-FSL implementation) and the spring of the school year (post-FSL implementation).
Effects on Teachers
Results indicated that FSL improved teachers’ knowledge of effective science teaching practices.
Teachers completed Teacher Performance Tasks (TPTs), assessing their understanding of how young children learn science and their ability to apply that knowledge in common teaching scenarios. Controlling for fall scores, FSL teachers had significantly higher spring scores compared to Control teachers.
Effects on Classrooms
Results indicated that FSL improved the quality of science instruction and the science learning environment.
Classrooms were observed using the Science Teaching and Environment Rating Scale (STERS), assessing the ways that teachers foster a classroom environment and provide instruction that promotes hands-on, collaborative science learning, conceptual understanding and language development. Controlling for fall scores, FSL classrooms had significantly higher spring scores compared to Control classrooms.
Results indicated that FSL improved general classroom quality.
Classrooms were observed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS1), assessing overall quality of teacher-child interactions. Controlling for fall scores, FSL classrooms had significantly higher spring scores compared to Control classrooms.
Cascading Positive Effects
Based on these positive effects on teacher’s knowledge and, in turn, on their science teaching practices, we expect that FSL will ultimately lead to greater science learning for children.
