This proposal describes a collaborative effort between Wright State University faculty and the Trotwood-Madison (T-M) City School District to support the new textbook-free science curriculum at T-M with a strong science enhancement program for the 96 elementary classroom teachers in the district. Scientists and science educators from Wright State University will provide training in hands-on science in the life (1st year) and physical sciences (2nd year), utilizing modular materials such as Fast Plants and Gems. The program will include 2 three-week summer sessions (5 days/week, 6-8 hours/day), continuing education workshops throughout the school-year, end-of-year workshops, follow- up visits and guest lectures. In addition, Wright State faculty will, on occasion, become "substitute teachers" to provide no-cost development time for the T-M teachers. This project is appropriate for the Teacher Enhancement Program because it contains a strong science enhancement program designed to reach all of the elementary classroom teachers in the targeted school district. It will provide teacher participants with opportunities to learn life and physical science concepts and science processes, and effective teaching methods. Non-NSF cost-sharing is approximately or 32% of the amount requested from NSF.
