The Science Inquiry Learning in Classrooms (SILC) is a 3-year professional development program initiated in June 2008 for which the Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry Lake (MLC) is the fiscal agent. SILC is funded through an ESEA Title II Part B Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grant awarded by the Montana Office of Public Education (OPI). The program involves two cohorts of 30 grade 3 - 6 teachers from Bozeman and Helena area: Cohort #1 began August 2008 and Cohort #2 was constituted in August 2009.  Each cohort completes a similar two-year experience.

The focus is on science content and inquiry learning based on the Montana Standards. Integrated into the curriculum and pedagogy are elements of the Native American culture. Educational components include: summer orientation, three and one-half hour Inquiry Academies once a month, National Science Teacher Association SciPacks accessed via Internet. Connecting this geographically diverse group of teachers (Livingston to Phillipsburg) is content and pedagogical interaction using D2L technology hosted by the MSU Burns Center.

Two instructional coaches funded by SILC, Bozeman District and Helena School District work to assist implementation by SILC teachers on a daily basis. Key project instructional leadership includes: Mary Larsen (Helena Instructional Coach), Jennifer Stadum (Bozeman Instructional Coach), Elisabeth Swanson (Co-PI; Director, MSU Science-Mathematics Resource Center), Walter Fleming (Head, MSU Native American Studies Dept.), Greg Francis (MSU Physics Dept.), Irene Grimberg (MSU SMRC), Monica Brelsford (MSU Thermal Biology Institute) and Tracy Dougher (MSU Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology Dept.).  Irene Grimberg also serves as SILC evaluator.  Glenn Allinger (MLC Executive Director; MSU Professor Emeritus) is the Principal Investigator for SILC.

The SILC Core Planning Team that provides overall direction for the project includes the instructional leadership noted above plus Keith Meyer (Helena SD Assistant Superintendent) and Robin Arnold (Bozeman SD Curriculum Director; Asst. Principal, Emily Dickenson Elementary School)

Questions 

e-mail

Call: 406-475-3638