The focus of this second workshop was to continue exposing the teachers to the LEGACY Cycle model for engaging in inquiry in the classroom. We began by revisiting the previously developed units on optics and bioethics. The teachers were encouraged to think critically about how LEGACY Cycle units such as these might be used in the classroom. They were also encouraged to consider how units such as these might address mandated curricular goals in their schools and classrooms. At this time, some arrangements were made for the implementation of both units in some of the in service teachers’ classrooms for later in the spring.

The goal of the workshop was to introduce the teachers to the unique design and implementation challenges that are present when engaging with the LEGACY Cycle model of inquiry. As the teachers explored these issues, research assistants Richard Vath and Cherie McCollough facilitated discussions based on their own experiences with unit design. Both teachers and researchers then collaborated to discern both the constraints and affordances of implementing these units in the classroom.

The workshop concluded with an opportunity for the teachers to begin generating ideas for their own LEGACY Cycle units. With the help of research assistants Richard Vath, Cherie McCollough, and Shelly Rodriguez, the teachers began to develop specific challenges related to mathematics and science content issues that they currently face in their classrooms. It is our hope that the teachers will continue this process of development and design in future PER workshops to be held in April and June of 2003.