Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE)

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“DuPont is a strong supporter of STEM education using inquiry-based instruction which is the basis for all CASE instruction. CASE is aimed at improving the math and science proficiency of students using an approach that integrates classroom/laboratory instruction, experiential learning and student-directed engagement with leadership, personal growth and career success.”-

Randolph J. Guschl, former Director, Center for Collaborative Research and Education, DuPont

Program Type

Curriculum/Instructional Materials
Teacher Development/Training
Hands on/Project-Based

Target Audience

All Students

Teachers/Educational Leaders

Location

Nationwide

Grades

Grades 6 - 8
Grades 9 - 12

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Program Impact

Since CASE's founding in 2009, 1,134 teachers from 40 states, plus the Virgin Islands are using CASE. These teachers hold a total of 1,826 CASE course certifications. 36,520 students will be taught through a CASE course in the 2015 school year. CASE has the goal of reaching more than 50,000 students by fall 2017.

 

Program Overview

CASE curricular materials enhance the rigor and relevance of education in agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR).
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Besides elevating the rigor of AFNR knowledge and skills, CASE provides purposeful, applied instruction in core subjects.

CASE empowers teachers to change their professional philosophy by promoting powerful inquiry-based, STEM-enriched teaching practices. To foster this environment, CASE develops comprehensive curriculum materials with purposeful design elements to promote rigor and relevance using activity-, project-, and problem-based teaching strategies. CASE courses include lessons that scaffold from previous lessons, leading to deeper understanding of STEM concepts.

To use CASE curriculum, a teacher must successfully complete 50 to 100 hours of intense professional development per course. Teachers receive an adequate overview of content, pedagogy, and course design. In addition to the tangible benefits, CASE professional development sessions promote confidence in teaching STEM concepts and encourage participation in a professional learning community to provide teachers with support even after the conclusion of the professional development session.

The result of CASE implementation is student-centered learning in an inquiry-based classroom focused on scientific thinking and foundational STEM and core content.

How To Get Involved

There is a specific demand to give more teachers intense, hands-on professional development through a CASE Institute. Scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 per teacher per course would cover the cost of training, lodging, and meals. Grants for classroom equipment to implement CASE could also be offered.

CASE is also seeking support for course development. The commitment to develop a course is $450,000 to be paid over two years. If a potential sponsor has an industry partner or partners willing to co-sponsor the course, the sponsorship could be shared. Other opportunities with sponsor visibility are available upon request. 

Funders and Partners

Major Funders: Cargill, CF Industries, CHS Foundation, CSX, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont Pioneer, Firestone, General Mills, Growth Energy, John Deere, Mosaic, MetLife, Red Brand, TransCanada and the United Soybean Board.

Program Partners: Over 20 affiliate institutions nationwide (colleges and universities), the National Association of Agricultural Educators, American Technical Publishers, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Cengage Learning, Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher, LAB-AIDS, NewByte Software, Vernier Software and Technology, and Ward’s Science.

Contacts

Dr. Daniel Jansen, Project Director
dan.jansen@case4learning.org

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Design Principles

The programs in this database clear a high bar. STEMworks reviewed each program against the Design Principles for Effective STEM Philanthropy.

  • Accomplished
  • Developing
  • Undeveloped

Overarching Principles

  • Need

    Identify and target a compelling and well-defined need.

  • Evaluation

    Use rigorous evaluation to continuously measure and inform progress towards the compelling need identified.

  • Sustainability

    Ensure work is sustainable.

  • Replication and Scalability

    Demonstrate replicability and scalability.

  • Partnerships

    Create high impact partnerships

  • Capacity

    Ensure organizational capacity to achieve goals.

STEM Principles

  • Challenging and Relevant Content

    Offer challenging and relevant STEM content for the target audience

  • STEM Practices

    Incorporate and encourage STEM practices.

  • Inspiration

    Inspire interest and engagement in STEM.

  • Under-Represented Groups

    Identify and address the needs of under-represented groups.