"Improving the Science Education of Prospective Alaska Native Teachers", is part of a cross-cultural, field-based teacher preparation program for native Alaskan students. The project will develop, test, and disseminate two laboratory science courses, one in chemistry and one in physics that are especially appropriate for Native Alaskan students who are prospective elementary school teachers. For the most part, the courses will be offered at field sites and will incorporate appropriate and locally relevant laboratory / practical activities. A team of university science faculty, educational consultants, rural science teachers, native students and others will develop and produce science course prototypes that accomodate and incorporate the students' culture and environment. The third year of the project includes final development of course materials, evaluation, and dissemination. Despite many attempts to improve the success in science of Native Alaskan children, a vicious cycle of low interest and low achievement continues. This reality results in failure not only at elementary and secondary levels of schooling but also at the university level as well. Thus, the number of Native Alaskan students selecting science oriented majors or careers is miniscule, and prospective Native teachers have very poor science preparation perpetuating the problem. This project will respond to the problem by preparing Native Alaskan elementary school teachers who have been successful in science and who will serve as scientifically literate role models for their students and communities.
