This project is a three year program that will provide teacher enhancement to 150 elementary and secondary school teachers from Long Island, New York. The project which will have a strong minority focus, consists of five components: three week summer institutes for elementary teachers and secondary biology teachers; research experiences in biological sciences for secondary teachers; videotaped exchange sessions between master teachers and less experienced teachers (both elementary and secondary); seminars and workshops during the school year on issues in science and science teaching for secondary teachers; and a teachers network for science teachers in high minority school districts. The summer institutes will be held at SUNY - Old Westbury. The first year institute, for secondary teachers, will address conceptual and pedagological issues in Neurobiology. The second year institute, also for secondary teachers, will focus on local ecology and related environmental issues. The third institute, for elementary teachers will provide basic knowledge in the natural sciences and introduce the method of conceptual change as a means of introducing scientific concepts into the elementary classroom. Cost sharing equals 6.7% of the NSF award.
