This planning grant seeks to develop a proposal for the enhancement of teachers in the life sciences and health in Prince Georges County, Maryland. The overall objective of the proposal is to improve the quality of science instruction in grades 4-8 by forming a partnership between the school system, Howard University professionals and community based scientific and technological personnel. During the twelve months planning period the proposal working sessions will be arranged to assess science teachers needs in the County, formulate proper evaluation, plan the kinds of instruction teachers want and need at the university level and training in mentorship. During the planning period the proposal will seek clear commitment from the county school system in the planning of the partnership to train a corps of mentor teachers and will use classroom teachers in planning project activities in science along with community based institutions. An outcome of the planning period will be the design of a proposal that will have the following objectives: The development of a program to broaden and strengthen pedagogical and technological knowledge to science teachers; the development of hands-on laboratory experiences for teachers and make provisions for these experiences to be translated to classroom activities; and the development of a strong partnership formation between the school system, Howard University and community based scientific and technological personnel.
