The goal of the program is to enhance the teaching of hands-on science in K-8 classrooms by providing teachers with in-class support and resources so that they will be able to:

• improve their science knowledge
• develop and adapt hands on science activities
• include guided discovery
• employ an inquiry based approach
• incorporate cooperative learning
• use everyday examples to illustrate science
• identify and utilize science
• take a leadership role in their schools by modeling science teaching
• use unexpected occurrences and questions as "teaching moments."

Requirements

In order for teachers and students to benefit the most from the program, it is required that teachers:

• be present at all times while the graduate assistant is in the classroom inform the graduate assistant of which topics should be covered
• gradually take over the hands-on science class for the graduate assistant
• follow up with the children between Outreach classes
• submit weekly self-evaluations
• attend teacher orientation
• complete evaluation instruments
• inform the Graduate assistant if a class is cancelled
• approve of the activity prior to its implementation
• regularly call the Graduate Assistant to discuss activities
• at least once present an activity at an Outreach workshop

Other Resources

The Outreach Program offers a variety of other resources for K-8 teachers at no cost:

• Resource Room - teachers may borrow materials and activities available.
• Share the Knowledge Workshop - teachers present hands-on science activities.
• In -Service Workshop - sessions are offered covering science education topics.
• Class Trips - students perform science activities in college laboratory and participate in Science or Math Scavenger Hunt.

For more information contact Suzanne Berliner-Heyman