Sam Spiegel is a Science Educator in the Professional Development Center at Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). BSCS is a nonprofit corporation that develops and supports the implementation of innovative science education curriculum for students in kindergarten through college. BSCS has developed integrated science programs for elementary and middle schools, and biology programs for high school and college students. In addition, BSCS provides professional development for the improvement of science education and conducts research and evaluation that demonstrates the effectiveness of reform-based science programs. See http://www.bscs.org/ for more information.
Prior to joining BSCS, he served as Director of Research & Development for i4 Learning (see http://www.i4learning.com/) and as Director of the Center for Integrating Research & Learning (CIRL) at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University (see http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/ ). Under Dr. Spiegel's leadership the CIRL matured into a thriving Center recognized as one of the leading National Science Foundation Laboratories for activities to promote science, mathematics, and technology education. While at Florida State University, Dr. Spiegel also directed the Science FEAT program. Science FEAT was an award winning teacher enhancement program for middle grades science teachers.
His extensive background in science education includes experiences as both a middle school and high school science teacher, working in science museums, designing distance learning courses, curriculum development, as well as working with the professional development of teachers. He was honored for his efforts in teacher education by the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science (AETS) with the Innovation in Teaching Science Teachers award in 1997.
Dr. Spiegel's publications include several books, curriculum resources for K-12 classes, and numerous articles and professional presentations. He received an honorary B.A. from Central High School in Philadelphia, a BA in Biology from Florida Atlantic University, and his MS and Ph D from Florida State University in Science Education.