About UsREsources for Authentic Learning in Science is a community partnership established to purchase modern scientific instruments and provide teacher training and support to ensure a powerful, real-world science experience for all students. The instruments, equal to those in today's workplace, are rotated through participating schools, achieving an economy of scale not only for equipment purchases, but also for the associated professional development and curriculum support.
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Service Area |
Muskegon County:
Since its initial implementation in 2007, REAL Science has made equipment and training available to every public high school and one charter school in Muskegon County. Ottawa and Newaygo Counties: In 2009, The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Mathematics and Science Center was awarded a $100,000 federal STEM grant to be used in establishing a regional REAL Science program. Working with the Newaygo County Regional Education Services Agency and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, the MAISD Mathematics and Science Center offered professional development involving DNA electrophoresis and spectroscopy to a group of chemistry and biology teachers from Newaygo and Ottawa counties. The grant supplied funds necessary for this training as well as for the purchase of equipment to be used by the teachers from those counties. |
Our History |
REAL Science emerged from a 2003 community task force study on the state of high school laboratory science in Muskegon County and has received financial support from every sector of the community.
The program was introduced in 2007 to provide modern laboratory equipment to biology and chemistry classrooms in all Muskegon County public and charter high schools, and has since had an impact on over 10,000 students. Participating teachers and students have the opportunity to function as "real" scientists in the classroom, experiencing advanced concepts such as biotechnology, spectroscopy, and chromatography, all of which are often utilized in modern scientific research. All of the equipment available through REAL Science supports teachers' efforts to foster learning through inquiry, while at the same time introducing students to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. Through REAL Science, students are able to conduct investigations using techniques and instruments that otherwise might only be available to those pursuing advanced degrees in science. After attending intensive professional development workshops, teachers have access to the equipment and consumable supplies, which are delivered to their classrooms at no cost. REAL Science benefits from the active involvement of local scientific community leaders, who have played a key role in selecting equipment that meets industry standards to ensure the authenticity of the students' experience. These leaders also support teachers with tours of their labs and a willingness to share ideas regarding the development of classroom activities. In 2009, a federal grant enabled REAL Science to become a regional program by adding adjacent Newaygo and Ottawa Counties to our service area, giving more teachers and students access to equipment and professional development. |