UNO teacher training program links science and history

The University of New Orleans and its Advanced Materials Research Institute recently finished a six-day training program that unites science and history for teachers.

The event, titled “Real World Science: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” was held in partnership with the National World War II Museum. From July 17 through 22, fifth- through eighth-grade teachers gained new ideas about teaching science that is guided with history.

During the week, teachers found the connections and concepts that link history as well as science. Higgins Boats from World War II demonstrate density, buoyancy and force; physicians treating wounded soldiers led to the discovery of infection; and the Manhattan Project can be a way to teach students about the behavior of atoms.

The goal is to develop an approach to teaching science and history that will help students to enjoy the classroom.

“Students who learn through experience and in the context of issues that they understand are more likely to retain the information and use it in the future,” Matthew Tarr, a faculty fellow in the Advanced Materials Research Institute at UNO, said.

The program is made possible with $350,000 in Northrop Grumman Foundation grants. These funds will pay for a year of organizing and another two years of application.