Issac Newton is credited with saying “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Time has passed and many current science teachers in Oklahoma are not of sufficient age to remember, but we have had a giant in our profession who’s influence is still felt in how quality science education is understood. Dr. John W. “Jack” Renner taught science education at OU from 1962-1988, and his students continue to make phenomenal impacts on science education in Oklahoma, throughout the country, and around the world. His work on the Learning Cycle in the 1970’s was a part of the development of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program supported by the National Science Foundation. The success of the learning cycle lead to it’s use as the origin and foundation for the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS) and the Full Option Science System (FOSS). The Learning Cycle approach and it’s underlying teaching philosophy of constructivism shows itself today in the inquiry approach defined by the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and the process skill development required by our own Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS). Jack was recognized for his contributions by NSTA with the Robert H. Carleton Award which annually recognizes one individual who has made outstanding contributions to, and provided leadership in, science education at the national level and to NSTA in particular. It is NSTA’s highest honor. In like manner, the Jack Renner Award is OSTA’s highest honor given each year to a person who has made a significant contribution to science education in Oklahoma.
Friends and colleagues are working on a special campaign to raise $50,000 that will allow for the dedication of a laboratory as a memorial to Jack in the new wing of the University of Oklahoma College of Education that will house a state-of-the-art facility for science education. This new science education laboratory will be named the John W. “Jack” Renner Science Education Center and will symbolize to future science educators his tradition of academic excellence, love of science and the learning cycle.
This is your invitation to contribute to this campaign. Please take time to pledge a contribution. The OU College of Education will keep you apprised of the status of this important effort. If you have questions about the campaign or wish to make or pledge a contribution, contact John Cougher, Director of Development for the College of Education (jcougher@ou.edu or 405.325.1266). John can explain the specifics of the larger capital campaign or details of this particular endeavor. Questions about the campaign may also be directed to Dr. Ed Marek, Presidential Professor, Director of the Science Education Center at OU, eamarek@ou.edu.