9360678 Cooper This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test and evaluate the use of interactive media: computer, textual, and hands-on materials that illustrate professional activities in an engaging "adventure" format in order to stimulate awareness and interest in science and math-based careers and to inform students about professions in science and engineering. The project pays special attention to underrepresented minorities and girls in grades 3 to 5, including appropriate role-models and special program information. Specifically, a CD-ROM computer program will use interactive graphics, animation, sound effects, voice, and other techniques to allow young people to assume the role of scientists and engineers, conducting simple experiments and designing systems interactively, supplemented by hands-on activity. Students will be shown how their school subjects relate to professional activities. The educational product of this project will be a computer-based motivational and instructional tool for commercial sale to school districts, to be used in science and mathematics curricula. ***
