This project will recruit 105 middle school teachers from the Chicago area to participate in a month-long summer workshop that originates from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. The project starts in November 1, 1992 and ends October 31, 1995. This program extends previous work by Dr. Zafra Lerman from elementary schools into the middle schools, with the primary objective being to enhance middle school teachers' content and pedagogical knowledge in science. The PI and others have developed, and are developing, curriculum that integrates science and mathematics. The interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum extends beyond the linkage of math and science, since the physical, chemical and biological sciences will also be integrated. Methods developed to excite science learning in teachers and students include the use of art, plays, music, dance, etc. These approaches also enable teachers to make connections across the curriculum for the students and illustrate the everyday context of science and mathematics. There is an approximate cost-share of 27%.
