Transitioning from traditional, lecture-focused instruction to that of authentic scientific inquiry is a key step in developing students’ scientific literacy. Authentic scientific inquiry actively engages students in the pursuit of knowledge, rather than the memorization of facts, to facilitate the development of critical 21st century competencies.
Inquiry-based science education provides ample opportunities for students to build strong skills in information, communication, and technology (ICT). We specialize in creating real-world learning experiences that allow students to learn like real scientists work. Through consistent exposure to real-world practices in science, STEM, data, and technology, PASCO’s science solutions prepare students for the complex challenges affecting all nations.
For countries seeking to transform education, some of the concerns they face include: How do we transition from our current system to one of authentic scientific inquiry? How do we prepare our educators to teach in a manner that differs from their own learning experiences? How do we set standards and create curriculum? How do we ensure lasting success after this transformation?
Essential Elements for Transformation
1. Vision
First there must be a vision. How can education better prepare students to meet the demands of an innovation- and knowledge-based economy? How do we instill competencies that empower students to become lifelong creators, innovative thinkers, and problem solvers? In partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense and local business leaders in Florida, Hillsborough District Schools developed a vision that utilized PASCO technologies, professional development, and curriculum to build essential foundations in inquiry, computational thinking, and engineering processes at the primary and secondary levels. In 2020, PASCO was selected as a key partner to help develop this collaborative program and propel the students of Hillsborough County toward success.
2. Leadership
Next, the vision must be accompanied by sustained leadership. The Shandong Province in China has a rich history of education and critical thinking dating back to Confucius. While standard measures of student success often rely on standardized test scores, the province’s Ministry of Education realized they needed to foster ingenuity by developing a student’s ability to problem solve, rather than reinforcing simple memorization. Since partnering with PASCO to design such a program, teachers in the province have begun shaping a new generation of innovators and thinkers who not only understand science but are also passionate about its potential applications.
3. Technology
Technology and its applications continue to fuel economic growth and development, making it an essential building block in transitioning to a modernized education system. The use of technology in modernclassrooms places great demands on infrastructure. Such was the case in Kazakhstan, where many of the schools participating in the reform project existed as single-room schoolhouses without any technology. With the adoption of PASCO technologies and support, Kazakhstan was able to quickly identify and address their infrastructure and educational needs. The end-product was a modernized facility with robust infrastructure and a faculty that was prepared to incorporate new technologies into their teaching philosophy. Today, these schools are revered throughout Kazakhstan as models of excellence in education
4. Curriculum & Support
The pedagogical transformations must also be supported by adaptable, localized content. When the Ministry of Education in Qatar decided to construct a STEM school, they had a vision of strengthening their students’ science skills to better prepare them for success in STEM and the global job market. Through our partnership, PASCO and the Ministry of Education developed science content that aligned with the Qatar Education Standards, along with a philosophy of student inquiry and engineering design. The success of this program has led to the construction of more schools and the adoption of additional PASCO equipment and curriculum to benefit the students of Qatar.
5. Professional Development
The success of any program is closely tied to the professional development that supports the vision and builds capacity within the system. PASCO delivers the guidance and support teachers need to create an inquiry-based learning environment. In Arequipa, Peru, the State President was determined to reform education and create opportunities that had never-before been provided to the local students. He relied on PASCO and our regional science partner, Bionet, to provide the essential training for teacher success. With the help of Bionet and PASCO, the teachers received in-country professional development that empowered them to lead inquiry-based lessons with confidence.
Partner with PASCO
Transforming an educational system is a daunting task—and yet it is a key predictor of economic success in the 21st century. From sustainable energy and cybersecurity to potable water and innovations in technology, the security of all nations will largely depend on the scientific literacy of today’s students and tomorrow’s society.
Having more than fifty years of experience in science education, PASCO brings a unique combination of knowledge and insights to every partnership. We are proud to have partners in all stages of development and work closely with all nations to assess their needs and exceed their goals. Whether you’re looking to modernize classrooms, develop scientific literacy, or prepare students for the rapidly evolving future of work, pick a partner who understands your needs and knows how to turn your vision into a reality. Partner with PASCO.
With a focus on creating quality products that allow teachers and students to spend more time on data analysis and lesstime on setup, our team of teachers, educational researchers, and engineers is committed to the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.
Next, the vision must be accompanied by sustained leadership. The Shandong Province in China has a rich history of education and critical thinking dating back to Confucius. While standard measures of student success often rely on standardized test scores, the province’s Ministry of Education realized they needed to foster ingenuity by developing a student’s ability to problem solve, rather than reinforcing simple memorization. Since partnering with PASCO to design such a program, teachers in the province have begun shaping a new generation of innovators and thinkers who not only understand science but are also passionate about its potential applications.
Technology and its applications continue to fuel economic growth and development, making it an essential building block in transitioning to a modernized education system. The use of technology in modernclassrooms places great demands on infrastructure. Such was the case in Kazakhstan, where many of the schools participating in the reform project existed as single-room schoolhouses without any technology. With the adoption of PASCO technologies and support, Kazakhstan was able to quickly identify and address their infrastructure and educational needs. The end-product was a modernized facility with robust infrastructure and a faculty that was prepared to incorporate new technologies into their teaching philosophy. Today, these schools are revered throughout Kazakhstan as models of excellence in education
The pedagogical transformations must also be supported by adaptable, localized content. When the Ministry of Education in Qatar decided to construct a STEM school, they had a vision of strengthening their students’ science skills to better prepare them for success in STEM and the global job market. Through our partnership, PASCO and the Ministry of Education developed science content that aligned with the Qatar Education Standards, along with a philosophy of student inquiry and engineering design. The success of this program has led to the construction of more schools and the adoption of additional PASCO equipment and curriculum to benefit the students of Qatar.
PASCO meets the highest quality standards worldwide. We have implemented a Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 (issued by Nemko AS and recognized by IQNet). Our products are designed, engineered, and assembled in our Roseville facility located in northern California.