This proposal describes a Track 1 project developed by the University of Idaho (UI) to improve graduate and elementary education in northern Idaho. Ten Teacher-Fellow teams will develop hands-on and engaging classroom activities, which are inquiry based and incorporate national standards. Teachers and students will be exposed to cutting edge scientific research in nanoscale science at the university. Fellows will enhance their communication skills, develop better teaching skills and will gain deeper insight about K - 12 education issues and needs. Fellows will support teachers in the content area and also serve as role models in the classroom. University faculty will be available for mentoring each team and will be visiting elementary classrooms at least twice a semester. Fellows will attend two 1-credit training seminars focused on communication and education prior to their attending summer orientation workshop.
