This renewal project will involve 30 elementary and middle school teachers in a 2-year program which focuses on experiences with chemistry at a level appropriate to teachers who have had little or no background in chemistry. Teachers will participate in two intensive 3-week summer workshops in chemistry and science methods, and will receive on-site support from project personnel during the subsequent academic years. Teachers will also participate in a 3-day session on leadership and the presentation of inservices to be held during February of the first year. Project staff will provide on-site support as participants incorporate what they've learned into their science classes, and as they present inservices to their colleagues. During the course of the project, project staff and participants will collaborate on the revision and enhancement of Chemistry for Children, an activity book of chemistry activities designed for elementary and middle school children. This leadership project is appropriate for the Teacher Enhancement Program because of its extensive enhancement of the science education of elementary and middle school teachers and because of its plan for participants to provide science inservice for all of the teachers in their respective schools. Non-NSF cost-sharing is approximately 15% of the amount requested from NSF.
