Inquiry Based Science and Technology Education Program (IN-STEP)

Sponsoring Agency: Merck Institute for Science Education
Research Director: Tom Corcoran (CPRE-Teachers College)
Project Duration: January 2007 –present

MSD-Thailand, an affiliate of Merck & Co., is funding an ambitious science education program for lower secondary schools in southern Thailand. The program known as the Inquiry Based Science and Technology Education Program (IN-STEP), is a public-private partnership among Kenan Institute Asia, the Ministry of Education, the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science & Technology, the Merck Institute for Science Education, and the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) at Teachers College. The program, now in its fifth and final year, trains educators to use guided investigations in the teaching of key concepts in the biological, physical, and earth sciences in grades 7, 8, and 9. The initiative also includes activities such as annual science days and science camps to spark student and community interest in science. CPRE-TC leads the design and evaluation of IN-STEP, is providing training for Thai evaluators, and is assisting with training for mentors and school principals.

Products:
The Inquiry Based Science and Technology Education Program (IN-STEP): The Evaluation of the First Year (Tom Corcoran, May 2008)

Report on the Progress of The IN-STEP Pilot Program, 2008-09 (Tom Corcoran, December 2009)