This project, designed by the Center for Cross Cultural Studies, College of Rural Alaska, University of Alaska, describes an opportunity for 72 urban and rural middle and elementary school teachers to spend four weeks engaged in science content, field and laboratory work in addition to enhancing their teaching strategies. It directly responds to identified needs for locally relevant, hands-on science education appropriate for the diverse multigraded and multicultural teaching situations in Alaska. The principle goal of this project is to train three groups of 24 K-8 teachers over a period of three years in the application of activities-based teaching strategies while simultaneously increasing teachers' content knowledge. A team of master-teachers, University education and science faculty conducting four-week basic summer institutes and one-week advanced institutes followed by audioconferences and networking activities to accomplish program goals. Further, a district/ University supported Consortium be developed to assure maintenance of training after three years of NSF funding. Excellent support letters from the participating school districts have indicated financial support for the implementation of the project and the formation of the Consortium. This project builds on previous University of Alaska Title II EESA program efforts. With the additional NSF funding, more schools can be reached with an intense science-rich program leading toward a long-term commitment for the schools involved. Excellent cost-sharing has been garnered for this project with the University of Alaska, the participating schools and the Alaska Department of Education contributing an amount equivalent to 73% of the NSF request.
