Forty OUTSTANDING Elementary/Middle School teachers of science will be selected to participate in an honors program conducted over a three-year period on the campus of Illinois State University. This project will develop scientific leadership for the local, state, and national level. The participants will be: 1) honored for excellence in science teaching, 2) provided with renewal and updating in the latest scientific advances, 3) involved in analyzing science education, and 4) conducting in- service teacher workshops in science for less well-prepared peers throughout the State of Illinois. The project will include strands of computer application, teaching methodology, instructional materials development, involvement with industrial scientists, and leadership development in science. The focus of the program will be the scientific disciplines of biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science. There will be workshops devoted to the preparation of written computer, demonstration, laboratory, and instructional materials designed by participants to aid other less well-prepared teachers in improving their science courses; these will be disseminated throughout the school districts of Illinois and beyond. This project will develop a strong network of leadership in science within the State of Illinois. This is a collaborative venture involving the National Science Foundation, the Illinois Science Teacher Association, Illinois State University, and School Districts within the State of Illinois.
