Collaborative Middle School Science Outreach Project Using the Japanese Lesson Study Model

The Japanese lesson study (JLS) model for curriculum development has seen limited application to middle school science classrooms. The JLS model was used to develop and refine three hands-on activities focused on four major eighth grade science topics from the California curriculum. Prior assessments of these topics showed limited understanding by students at a suburban school with a predominanty underrepresented population in science. Quantitative assessment of student understanding along with observations of the students' capacity to conduct careful investigations found a large, gender-independent increase in understanding, as well as improved state-mandated test scores. Informal "local proof" assessment resulted in expansion of the JLS model into other grade levels and disciplinary subjects. This led to multiyear school-site reform and recognition outcomes.