The Teachers + Occidental = Partnership in Science (TOPS) programs are science outreach programs planned and directed by a steering committee of high school teachers and Occidental College faculty members.
TOPS' long range goal is to increase interest in science among K-12 students by:
providing high school students and their teachers access to advanced scientific instrumentation for hands-on laboratory experience aligned with the State of California Science Framework.
introducing research as a curriculum component in middle and high school science
increasing access to and use of the Internet in science classes
increasing science teachers' self-perception as professionals and scientists
improving the teaching of laboratory concepts
supporting the teachers' efforts to improve science instruction at their local schools
The TOPS Science Outreach Programs at Occidental College have a long term record of significant contributions to the teaching of science in local K-12 schools. Since 1992, TOPS has established a reputation for outstanding support for teachers as they introduce advanced scientific instrumentation into their classrooms. Approximately 60% of the teachers who have attended one of the TOPS Summer Institutes continue to participate in the program
Our highly successful Biology and Chemistry Summer Institutes provide training and access to modern laboratory equipment to support a series of thirteen laboratory experiments appropriate to high school science courses (Life Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, AP and Honors courses).
Initiated in 2001, the Physics Summer Institute follows the format of the Biology and Chemistry programs, providing training and access to equipment for five different topics (mechanics, wave motion, optics, electrostatics, and circuits) with activities appropriate for all levels of high school physics.
The Marine Science Experience (MSE) introduces research in marine science into the curriculum. The MSE workshop enhances the teacher's understanding of marine organisms and processes, introduces contemporary oceanographic research methods, and assists in developing creative, inquiry based projects for students which will combine an "at sea" experience on the R/V Vantuna with the use of Occidental's MSE Database. In-class mentoring by the MSE resource teachers will support student research and teacher leadership.
The newest TOPS program, BioWeb, is designed to provide the support and hardware necessary to access web-based scientific curricula in the classroom. BioWeb brings a set of laptop computers with a host computer into the classroom to provide access to selected websites supporting topics in the science curriculum. This year this cutting edge program is focusing on the Southern California region.
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