This proposal will establish an environmental science institute to prepare leadership teams of middle school teachers. Teachers will be engaged in authentic field study, will use technology for data collection and display, will review relevant instructional materials, and will work on developing a standards-based environmental program which will be integrated into their middle school curricula. This four-year project will recruit teachers from midwestern states (IL, IN, IA, OH, WI, MI, and MN) to participate in pre-institute workshops, summer institutes, and academic year workshops. Each year 20 teams of 4 individuals each will: learn environmental science concepts and issues and inquiry skills for investigating the environment; enhance their curricular, pedagogical, and assessment knowledge and skills; and learn how to implement local professional development programs and partnerships. The teachers' science content will be enhanced by field trips and training in computer usage. Each team will develop a standards-based environmental science program and make presentations at national and state conventions.
