What is the goal of Sip³?

Our overarching goal is to improve understanding of science while fostering an awareness of, and appreciation for, plants. The program aims (1) to provide students and teachers with resources to deepen their conceptual understanding of science and plant biology, (2) to enhance the quality of their experiences with scientific inquiry, (3) to strengthen partnerships between research and education, and (4) to increase interest in plant science careers.

Scientific Inquiry through Plants (Sip³) Overview

Join us as students share their investigations of plant biology with peers and scientists mentors.

Scientific Inquiry through Plants (Sip³) is an interactive learning community where middle school through college students explore science through hands-on inquiry projects coupled with online scientific mentoring. Connecting students, educators, and plant scientists around the country via the Internet enhances the experience of scientific inquiry for all. The web site also includes a rich suite of resources to support inquiry and plant investigations.

For students, Sip³ provides opportunities to:

• Get to know leading plant scientists
• Collaborate with peers and scientists
• Engage in meaningful experiments
• Experience science as relevant and exciting
• Engage in the adventure of doing real science
• Develop research skills, communication skills, technology skills

For teachers, Sip³ is a strategic tool to:

• Meet the challenges of inquiry teaching
• Help students develop scientific reasoning skills
• Supplement curricula with new resources to teach plant biology in context
• Keep up-to-date through online support and professional development opportunities
• Interact with other educators, researchers, and scientists striving for outstanding science education

For scientist mentors, Sip³ provides opportunities to:

• Inspire lifelong learning
• Engage in meaningful outreach
• Share knowledge, curiosity, and insights

What are the Sip³ inquiry units?

Inquiry units are developed and field-tested by teams of plant scientists, science education researchers, and K-12 educators. The inquiry units are aligned to National Science Education Standards and highly adaptable to classroom needs. New inquiry units are in development and field-testing. Once they have been peer-reviewed and approved, they will be available in the Project Topic Library. If you are interested in field-testing a new unit, please click the Contact Us button and let us know.

The Sip³ program is available to middle schools, high schools, and colleges. The Wonder of Seeds, an investigation of seed germination and seedling development, is our current unit. During the 2006 academic year, we will run spring and fall projects:

Inquiry Unit	Grade Level	Inquiry Schedule
The Wonder of Seeds -- a seed germination inquiry	7-16	Oct.-Nov. 2006 Feb.-Mar. 2007
The Power of Sunlight -- a photosynthesis inquiry	9-16	Oct.-Nov. 2006 --anticipated Feb.-Mar. 2007

Who is involved in Sip³?

Sip³ is an integrated cooperative effort among teachers and school systems working in partnership with scientific societies and universities and colleges. The program development is just taking off. Visit the pages on the program history and development team to learn more. Last year, 500 students, 10 teachers, and 40 scientist mentors participated in the online inquiry projects.

We invite you to join our efforts.

Sip³ Contacts

Bill Dahl
Executive Director
Botanical Society of America
(sip3@botany.org)

Claire Hemingway
Education Director
Botanical Society of America
(sip3@botany.org)

 

Questions - email Sip³ staff: sip3@botany.org

Enjoy Science!