This project will improve the teaching of the biological sciences by involving teachers in the design and formulation of new teacher educational materials while, at the same time, providing them with authoritative and current background information in the biological sciences. The modules around which the program is organized were developed during previous summers in Institutes held at Merck and Co. in Rahway, New Jersey and the Waksman Institute at Rutgers University. The modules consist of experimental laboratory based activities and supporting background information. A four-week summer institute will be held for 20 high school biology and biology/chemistry teachers from the New Jersey area. A series of Background Seminars in science will be presented by university and industrial scientists to provide teachers with knowledge on the module topics. These seminars will provide both an up-date on current research and the background science necessary for the teachers to maintain a good fundamental understanding of biology and biochemistry. During the academic year the participating teachers will introduce the modules in their respective schools and present the modules to others teacher groups. Two kinds of follow-up actives will be conducted. The first is a series of four meetings to be held during the academic year. The second follow-up meeting will be a one-week institute to be held the following summer. This project is significant since it is a strong collaborative effort of University and industrial research scientists and high school teachers. The projects allows the scientists to focus on the subject matter while the teachers provide expertise based upon their experience. Rutgers University has contributed an amount equal to 10% of the NSF award.
