Teacher Institute Research

In the Teacher Institute, research focuses on how and what science teachers learn across a variety of professional development opportunities provided at the museum. We use a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods to comprehend changes in science teachers’ understanding of content, pedagogical practices, and beliefs about science teaching and learning. Results from research are used internally by the Teacher Institute staff to improve professional learning opportunities for secondary science teachers, and are disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national research conferences. 

Selected Publications About Our Work

(In reverse chronological order)

Heredia, Sara C. & Yu, Julie H. (2017). "A Matter of Choice: Opportunities for Informal Science Institutions to Support Science Teacher Induction". Journal of Science Teacher Education 22(6), 549-565.

Stoltzfus, Kate (2016). "Induction Program for New Science Teachers Starts with Exploration." Education Week.

Heredia, Sara C., Cook-Endres, Tammy, & Yu, Julie H. (2016). "A Bird in the Cage Is Worth Two in the Bush: Enhance Your Activities to Engage Students in Science Practices." Science Scope 40(1), 66–71.

Yu, Julie H. & Heredia, Sara C. (2016). A Hub for STEM Learning. Connected Science Learning 2.

Heredia, Sara C. & Yu, Julie H. (2015). “Exploratorium Teacher Induction Program: Results and Retention" (see PDF on this page).

Patterson, Brandolyn, Flaig, Bryan, & Cook-Endres, Tammy. (2014). “No Ordinary Coronary,” Science Scope 38(4), 24–32.

Rathjen, Don. (2012). “Energy Transformations of a Marble Rolling on a Track.” Physics Education 47(4), 388.

Doherty, Paul, Lung, Linda, Nucci, Julia A., & Sighota, Nev. (2011). “How Researchers Can Help K–12 Teachers Bring Material Science into the Classroom.” MRS Bulletin 36(4), 284–289.

Yu, Julie H. (2010). “Gel Electrophoresis on a Budget to Dye For.” Science Teacher 77(1), 50–54.

Chasteen, N. Dennis, Chasteen, Stephanie, & Doherty, Paul. (2008). “The Salty Science of the Aluminum-Air Battery.” The Physics Teacher 46(9), 544–547.

Shore, Linda, & Stokes, Laura. (2006). “The Exploratorium Leadership Program in Science Education: Inquiry into Discipline-Specific Teacher Education.” Mentors in the Making. Achinstein, B., and S. Athanases (eds.). New York: Teachers College Press, 96–108.