9619024 Haase This three-year project, sponsored by North Carolina State University, will enhance 120 teachers of science and technology in the rural part of the state. Middle school teachers will be recruited from economically disadvantaged school districts in Eastern North Carolina and will attend a three week summer intensive institute followed by academic year workshops and a one- week "refresher course" in the next summer. Participants will be trained in the use of new computer based technologies to teach physics and chemistry particularly the use of MBL and CBL in the classroom. In addition, equipment, which is sometimes cost prohibitive for the schools, will be lent on an as-needed basis from the University. Also, teachers will be trained to take advantage of, and submit proposals to the "School Technology Fund" which is being made available by the state to encourage schools to use computers and laboratory equipment in the schools. Teachers will be sensitized to the philosophy and practice of hands-on and inquiry-based learning, learn to address the needs of a diverse student population and enlist the aid of teacher mentors (trained from a previous NSF project) who will help in the implementation of the technology component of the program as well as the new content. A web site will be developed to enable teachers to discuss with one another and with project staff issues related to the implementation of these new techniques in the classroom. The award is being matched by funds equivalent to 36% of the grant.
