Randy Bell

Dr. Bell joins OSU as Associate Dean and Professor of Science Education in the College of Education. His science background includes a BS in Botany from Marshall University and a MS in Forest Ecology from Duke University. Dr. Bell's interest in sharing science with others led him to earn a teaching license and then teach science for six years in Lakeview, OR, where he was recognized as the Oregon Science Teachers Association’s “New Science Teacher of the Year.” Eventually, Dr. Bell’s interest in educational research and science teacher preparation led him back to graduate school, where he earned the PhD in Science Education at OSU and subsequently accepted a position at the University of Virginia in 1999. For the past 13 years, Dr. Bell has been heavily involved in teaching preservice teachers, providing professional development for practicing teachers, and research and development related to teaching and learning about the nature of science and scientific inquiry. Dr. Bell also conducts research and develops resources for integrating technology into science teaching. Dr. Bell has maintained strong ties to public schools through a variety of collaborative projects. Most recently, he serves as co-PI on a 34 million-dollar US DOE-funded I3 project designed to provide research-based professional development to Virginia’s elementary and secondary science teachers. The author of more than 100 articles, chapters and books, he has just completed his term as president of the Association for Science Teacher Education.

Research/Career Interests:
Randy conducts research and develops resources for teaching and learning about the nature of science and scientific inquiry. He provides research-based professional development for elementary and secondary science teachers. He is also the author for the complete set of National Geographic Elementary Textbooks.