Examples of Our Work

High Hopes — Few Opportunities
The purpose of this 2011 report was to examine the status of science education in California. The research revealed that while educators and members of the public strongly believe that science education is important, it is not a priority in California's elementary schools because of the pressures of existing accountability systems that focus on English language arts and mathematics. The Research Group collaborated with several institutions to conduct this research study.
Funder: S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

The Status of Science Education in Bay Area Elementary Schools
California is home to much US innovation in science and technology. At the same time, the San Francisco Bay Area region produces inadequate achievement results among its students. This research study examines the status of science education in Bay Area elementary schools and offers insights about why students in this region are not performing well in science.
Funder: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Kepler Mission Education and Public Outreach
The Research Group investigates the components of the education and public outreach programs of NASA's Kepler mission, including school curriculum, a planetarium show, and radio broadcasts.
Funder: NASA

Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE)—California
The Research Group serves as the independent evaluators for this multifaceted program dedicated to enhancing the general public’s understanding and appreciation of the ocean.
Funder: National Science Foundation

Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (COSIA)
The Research Group staff serve as the internal evaluator for this NSF-funded project designed to help the next generation of ocean scientists learn how to more effectively communicate their research to the public.
Funder: National Science Foundation

Full Option Science System (FOSS) Multimedia Materials
The Research Group evaluates the multimedia materials that are part of the FOSS curriculum—a hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum that addresses a variety of science topics.
Funder: Full Option Science System

Project Exploration
Project Exploration contracted with the Research Group to undertake a 10-year retrospective study of Project Exploration programming. The review was designed to evaluate the impact of Project Exploration programs in terms of alumni interest and participation in science, and educational and career aspirations and attainment. In particular, the factors that affected students' decisions to get involved, and stay involved with science—and Project Exploration—over time.
Funder: Project Exploration