This proposal is directed at providing teachers with a direct "hands-on" experience with field science. The program is designed to involve 180 teachers in grades 5-8 in summer and academic year workshops on marine biology and provide them with opportunities to engage in research emphasizing the use of mathematics for problem solving in science. During the summer the teachers will be involved in field experiences in biology and marine mammal science that will expose them to data gathering and research methodology. Teachers will develop knowledge and skills in hypothesis formation, data collection, and analysis. The teachers will build on the summer experience during the academic year by being involved in curriculum development and the development of computer simulations, analysis programs and approaches and models which they adapt to classroom situations to make science interesting and exciting for their students. The approach is interdisciplinary emphasizing the use of mathematics in science.
