This proposal seeks funds to enhance the skills of mathematics and science teachers in the middle school. The project is a three year program involving a total of 160 middle school teachers in an integrated approach to improving science and mathematics instruction in middle schools. It will provide pairs of educators, a science teacher and a mathematics teacher, from participating middle schools in the Jacksonville State University area in a six- week summer institute. During the summer institute program, participants will take courses which will include topics in mathematics, and laboratory experience. The courses will be taught by teams of mathematicians, educators, and a laboratory assisted scientists and will emphasize applications and ways to achieve desirable solutions and conclusions through skillful reading techniques. The science course will allow participants to engage in hands-on experiments appropriate for middle school students to broaden their understanding of selected topics. In addition, participants will attend weekly seminars involving the use of the latest technology in teaching. Cost sharing is equivalent to 10% of the NSF award.
