Jim Shymansky is the E. Desmond Lee Professor of Science Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  He has authored more than 125 research publications, chapters, books, and instructional materials on elementary school science.  He is currently serving as Senior Editor of the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education and Science Consultant for the National Geographic Society’s “Theme Sets” program.   He has also served as President of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and Editor of the Journal of Research in Science Teaching.  He is currently researching the impact of curriculum adaptation strategies of professional development on teaching practice and student performance.