Topical Presentation:    

"Scientific Literacy for All:   How Our Schools Can Improve Science Education"

 
Speaker:         Linda Brazdil    
Coordinator of the Bridges to Science Literacy Program
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 		    

Date: Friday, June 20, 2003
Location:   Holiday Inn, Willowbrook
(Same as main meeting)
  Times:
Topical Group:   5:30 - 6:30 P.M.
Social Hour:   6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Dinner:   7:00 P.M.
Meeting:   8:00 P.M.

Abstract:

The recent report, "Before It's Too Late," from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century [NCMST] (2000) reaffirms that excellent mathematics and science education is in America's vital interest. It is critical to
  • developing new products and services.
  • improving our standard of living,
  • competing effectively in global markets,
  • maintaining military security,
  • solving unforeseen problems, and
  • creating an, as yet, undreamed of future for America.
Clearly, students need a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematics and science in order to make everyday decisions as well as to keep pace with these rapidly expanding fields that affect their lives. The report states, "Mathematics and science are primary sources of lifelong learning and the progress of our civilization" (NCMST, 2000, p. 7). Despite the need for all citizens to understand basic scientific concepts, The Third International Mathematics and Science Survey (TIMSS) in 1995 and the repeat of this test in 1999 (TIMSS-R) indicate that by eighth grade United States students' understanding of science and mathematics lags behind that of students in other industrialized countries. In this talk, I will discuss some of the difficulties schools face in striving to improve student understanding of science as well as reform efforts and why so many of them appear to be failing. Finally, I will present research-based models of curriculum design and instructional practice that are leading to improved student learning in science.

Biography:

Dr. Linda C. Brazdil is the Coordinator of the Bridges to Science Literacy program at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). In this position, she works with teams of educators throughout Illinois to provide professional development using the publications developed by AAAS's Project 2061 (Science for All Americans, Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and Atlas of Science Literacy). She helps these teams enhance students' understanding of important scientific concepts by building coherent science curricula, enhancing their instructional practice, and selecting science education materials. She also serves as a consultant to Project 2061 to conduct professional development and to analyze test items for their alignment to standards.

Dr. Brazdil was previously the Coordinator of the Smithsonian Network supporting teachers throughout the state of Illinois in their innovative efforts in math and science education and assessing the impact of these programs on student learning. Prior to coming to IMSA, she was an Associate Professor of Chemistry at John Carroll University, a science education consultant, a Senior Project Leader in the Exploratory Catalysis and Processes Group of BP, and a high school chemistry teacher.

Dr. Brazdil received her B.S. in chemistry from Notre Dame College of Ohio and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physical chemistry from Case Western Reserve University. She holds 33 U.S. patents and numerous foreign patents. Additionally, she has 14 scientific publications. She received two NSF research grants, an Eisenhower Grant through the Ohio Board of Regents in 1995 to oversee the Project Discovery Workshop for middle school math and science teachers held at John Carroll University, and an Exxon Education Fund research grant. She has held offices in numerous professional societies and as Head of the Science Collaborative for the Cleveland Education Fund. In recognition of her achievements and potential, Dr. Brazdil received the 1991 Cleveland Technical Societies Council Technical Achievement Award, an award presented to a researcher under the age of 37. She was inducted into the BP America Inventors Hall of Fame in 1990, is listed in Exemplars: Women in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, was recognized as one of Notre Dame College of Ohio's 70th Anniversary Outstanding Alumnae (1992), was named the Outstanding Chemistry Alumna of Notre Dame College of Ohio in 1994, and received the Joan P. Lambros Service Award from the Fluorine Chapter of Iota Sigma Pi in 1998.





Updated 6/3/03