Experiences of IBSE and Chain Reaction

This chapter considers the impact of professional development on IBSE in the Chain Reaction (CR) project, Ireland. The author offers reflections, based on his own experiences of CR, suffused with the theme of “evolution.” Evolution experienced includes that in thinking, practice, curriculum, and teacher engagement during the project and follow-on professional development endeavors. He speaks as a practicing teacher who, during the lifetime of his engagement with CR, took up a national leadership role in supporting Science Education change in Ireland. He offers that professional development that seeks to enhance social capital creates opportunities for teachers to develop their capacity as science curriculum developers. This has been a guiding precept for CR Ireland and broader professional development endeavors across Ireland in recent years. Evolutions in science education across Ireland have allowed for the integration of IBSE opportunities afforded by the introduction of national policy and the promotion of social capital at CPD to compliment policy intentions.