Recently revamped Advanced Placement offerings in biology and chemistry will be the focus of a four-year, $2.6 million research grant looking at implementation and student outcomes.
The revised AP Biology program took effect this school year, with the revamped AP Chemistry starting up in 2013-14. Key changes in the science courses include covering less content in greater depth and a stronger emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
The research will provide “the first experimental evidence on the effects of taking an inquiry-based science course and whether it affects students’ educational progress and success in ... [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] subjects,” according to a recent press release.
The grant from the National Science Foundation will support work by researchers at the University of Washington, George Washington University, and SRI International. It will involve 40 high schools nationwide, including more than 4,000 11th and 12th grade students.
