Dr. Linda Jarvin, Deputy Director of the Tufts University CELT and PACE Centers and Kristen Bethke Wendell a second year doctoral student in the MSTE Program, spoke at the MSTE Proseminar: "From theory into practice: Developing and implementing cognitive-theory driven curriculum"
Held October 25, 2007

It has been suggested that engineering design challenges and other forms of project-based instruction improve children's understanding of science content. However, few research studies support this claim with clear evidence of conceptual change in science. Through their "Transforming Elementary Science Through LEGO Engineering" research project, Jarvin and Bethke are attempting to measure what and how children learn from engineering design curricula targeted at specific science concepts. In their presentation, they reported mainly on the collaborative process they have followed--as faculty member and student--to develop, implement, and investigate an engineering-based science curriculum in local third classrooms.