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Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) Targeted Partnership

The Targeted Math-Science Partnership of Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) vision is to increase grade 3-6 student learning of science by developing Indiana's first integrated, engineering design-based approach to elementary/intermediate school science education. The partnership involves Purdue University's colleges of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Education working with four Indiana school districts: Taylor Community School Corporation, Plymouth School Corporation, Lafayette School Corporation, and Tippecanoe School Corporation. The project is devising a design- and standards-based curriculum, inventing design-informed science instructional methods, and implementing on-going assessments to inform the project at the pre- and in-service teacher education levels in central Indiana. The partnership is using summer institutes, linkages with Purdue pre-service teachers, cyber-infrastructure, action research, and graduate coursework to equip teachers with design-based pedagogical skills and science content. An external advisory board consisting of recognized experts in science education, mathematics education, and engineering design meet annually to provide input to the project team.

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Showcase

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Promoting Effective Teaching in Science Learning through Engineering Design [SLED]

The Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) Partnership is a targeted project aimed at improving student learning of science and math at the elementary/intermediate school level through the integration of…


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Video Spotlight: Science Learning through Engineering Design

This 3-minute video produced by the Purdue Exponent highlights the SLED Summer Institute.

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Library

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Creating Shared Instructional Products for Integrating Engineering Education in the Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) Partnership

"The goal of this paper is to examine the Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) Partnership, a unique math-science targeted partnership designed to support improved student learning and instructional practice…


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Think-aloud Protocol Analysis as a Measure of Students' Science Learning through Design Assessment

"Research has indicated that authentic engineering design tasks hold the attention and interest of students and can lead to deeper levels of science engagement (Fortus, Dershimer, Krajcik, Marx, & Mamlok-Naaman,…

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Resources

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SLEDhub

Link to the SLEDhub site.


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2011 SLED Project Flyer

SLED Project flyer and teacher interest form