Ron is an Associate Professor of Science Education, Graduate Programs Coordinator, and President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow here at NAU. He’s a graduate of Willamette University where he earned his B.A. in Biology and M.A.T in Secondary Science Teaching, as well as Oregon State University where he earned his Ph.D. in Science Education. His work focuses on providing secondary science teachers the tools to design and implement learning experiences for their students that are effective and authentic to the discipline. He’s led the effort on a number of CSTL grants, including Examining the Impact of Sequencing on Idea Introduction in Secondary Science Classrooms, Funded by NAU OVPR. He’s also been published in numerous journals and co-wrote a chapter in the recent book Preparing science teachers through practice-based teacher education. We’re so happy to highlight him today!
How long have you been at the CSTL?
8 years
What are you currently working on and why is it important?
We have a need for science curriculum that match the NGSS as well as what we understand about good teaching from research. Colleagues and I are working on a series of model-based inquiry books that should start coming out through NSTA Press in the near future. They provide NGSS-aligned units for high school biology and chemistry, with other subjects coming next year. We are excited to get these well-tested units out to teachers!
Is a hot dog a sandwich and why or why not?
No way. Sandwiches are between two pieces of bread. The hot dog bun is folded. Imagine going to a hot dog stand and asking for a hot dog sandwich. They’d laugh at you.
If you could take 3 items to a remote island what would they be?
1) a large machete. 2) a fire starter kit. 3) a cooking pot to disinfect water for drinking (and to catch the water in the first place).
What is your superpower?
Dad jokes. Just ask my kids…
Thanks Ron! And Happy Birthday!! Interested in collaborating with Ron on an upcoming project? Email him at ron.gray@nau.edu to connect.