Over a three-year period, the PRISE project of Grand Valley State University will coordinate the efforts of a team of scientists and educators in the design and implementation of a model program of environment oriented, hands-on science education for preservice elementary teachers. The goals of PRISE (Project to Improve Science Education) are to use the region's water resources to increase the students' interest, knowledge, and confidence with science; increase the students' understanding of the relationships between science, technology and society; teach science content appropriate to the elementary classroom; combine the teaching of science content with the process approach; and motivate and encourage preservice elementary teachers to elect a major or minor in science. PRISE is intended to serve as a model which may be readily transferred to other regions of the nation where locally prominent resources may serve as the program focus. Transfer will be facilitated by special written and video materials. The cost sharing will be fifteen percent of the NSF portion.
