Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this project is to implement an innovative, and engaging knowledge transfer pedagogy for 5th grade science students. This project utilized Stealth Learning, a learning pedagogy developed by Dr. James Rosser.99,100,109,110 The program featured applied learning to develop skill sets in general and drone aviation, as well as minimally invasive surgery techniques. This was facilitated through the use of computers, table simulators, and drones.

Methodology

This project took standardized subject matter from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and converted it into content featuring the Stealth approach. The section that was converted was the "Practice of Science and the Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge" portion of the FCAT. This program includes curriculum workbooks and worksheets, mini drones, scientifically-validated video games (Super Monkey Ball 2), Stealth Learning music-vocab videos (Animotos), surgical simulation skill drills (Bean Drop), and competitions material (Spelling Bee). A website was also made to allow students to review material at home. This program was administered with the assistance of healthcare and aviation professionals to provide a mentoring component. The program included an execution phase consisting of seven sessions, which took place for 45 minutes each during the Spring Semester (April 2016).

Preliminary Findings

There are preliminary results for this project, which must be explored further in future studies. This project first analyzed the Science FCAT scores for 72 students in the 5th grade. Of the 72 students in the class, 22 (30.5%) passed the exam. Eleven of the students were enrolled in our program and 54% (6 of 11) passed in comparison to twenty-six percent of the students that underwent standard preparation passed the exam.

Conclusion

Especially for minorities and the socioeconomically disadvantaged, student performance on state standard exams is one of the most pressing challenges faced in education today. This study suggests that a state standard-based 5th grade curriculum can be converted into an innovative brain-based lesson plan to enhance performance on state standard exams. This initial investigation offers some encouragement for others to further pursue this research.

Thesis Completion

2017

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Borgon, Robert

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Degree Program

Biomedical Sciences

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Release Date

5-1-2022

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