TERC
TERC is committed to achieving a vision of vibrant communities where questioning, problem solving, and experimentation are commonplace by improving mathematics and science teaching and learning.
TERC, site of several curriculum projects as part of an NSF Testbed program (teaparty),supports students' use of data in collaborative investigations--collecting, sharing, analyzing, and visualizing data and developing testable hypotheses through discussion and peer review. Current areas of investigation supported by this testbed cycle include several environmental studies; ozone, energy use and conservation, water quality and animal migrations. TERC pioneered microcomputer-based labs, the National Geographic Kids Network, Global Laboratory (30 countries), and the LabNet Teachers Network (also available via America OnLine). TERC has developed network software, a lowcost method for collecting and sharing data across the Internet and recently the Web (with assistance from Enterprise Integration Technologies). This software has been used successfully in hundreds of classrooms with a spectrum of networking facilities. You can test drive the automated data sharing service by sending email to cash@terc.edu and get a true taste of network science--now and in the future. (The TERC hub site leads you towards its other projects.)
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Telecollaboration for networked science requires a carefully constructed management and investigation system. For instance, school schedules in different time zones fluctuate as does data from the environment itself. Network science presumes the concurrent availability of information so statistics can be compiled and interpretations contrasted. TERC has been involved in advancing technology for almost three decades; its software accommodates such idiosyncracies (so you can focus on science) and, based on teacher feedback, is school-friendly.
