Education

• Ph.D. 1997 Science Education, Kansas State University
• M.A. 1982 Biology, University of Northern Iowa
• B.A. 1971 Biology Teaching, University of Northern Iowa

Teaching Interests

Introductory non majors biology courses (with a speciality in courses specifically for elementary education majors), secondary science methods courses, and core course for the MA in Science Education.

I am very involved in teacher professional development work in the summers, with an emphasis on inquiry teaching.

Research Interests

I am interested in many things associated with teaching science at the elementary and secondary level (particulary biology in the latter), as well as post-secondary biology instruction. Consructivism and inquiry teaching, especially using a learning cycle model, are near and dear to my daily life and to my own teaching.

My research interests tend to be questions that involeve qualitative methodology.

Professional Accomplishments

Hughes, S., &  Lee, C., (2006, Spring). At Risk Students:  Learning Science Through Inquiry, Universitas, 2(1) University of Northern Iowa, available at: http://universitas.grad.uni.edu/currentissue/default.htm

Cooney , T. & Lee, C. (2005). Exemplary Science: Best Practice in Science Teaching Today, in Yager, R. (Ed.) Exemplary Science: Best Practices in Professional Development, pp. 45-53. Arlington, V. awabuki; NSTAPress.

Phelps, A. & Lee, C. (2003). The Power of Practice: What Students Learn from How We Teach, Journal of Chemical Education.

Lee, C. & Houseal, A. (2003). Self-efficacy, Standards and Benchmarks as Factors in Teaching Elementary School Science, Journal of Elementary Science Education, 15(1), 37-55.

Lee, C., (2002) Inquiry Into Plant Nutrition: A Learning Cycle, American Biology Teacher, 65(2), 411-417.

Lee, C. & Krapfl, L., (2002). Teaching as You Would Have Them Teach: An Effective Elementary Science Teacher Preparation Program, Journal of Science Teacher Education, 13(3), 247-265.

Responsibilities

As Chair of Science Education I have administrative responsiblities at a department level as well as acting as graduate coordinator for science education.

International Experience

Inquiry Science, invited teacher workshops in Arica, Chile and Concepcion, Chile, August, 2002.

Grants History

Science and Mathematics Education Renewal Center [SMERC], PI; Co-Program Director, 2001-2003, $500,000.

Iowa Science and Math Coalition/Iowa Perkins program, Transitions: Smoothing the Way from Secondary to Post- Secondary Science, PI, 2004, $1500. 

Iowa Dept. of Education, Transitions: Smoothing the Way from Secondary to Post-Secondary Science, PI, 2004, $2500.

Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources, REAP fund, Lost landscape Prairie Project, Co-PI, 2005, $45,558.

Engaging Iowa, Federal Direct Award, Co-PI, 2008-2009, $151,312.

Community Engagement

President and then Past President of the Iowa Academy of Science.

Curriculum consulting with K-12 school districts in science.

Skills and Competencies

• Curriculum Development
• Qualitative Research Methods

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