This study examined how science teachers' knowledge of research methods, neuroscience and drug addiction changed through their participation in a 5-day summer science institute. The data for this study evolved from a four-year NIH funded science education project called Addiction Research and Investigation for Science Educators (ARISE). Findings…

National science assessments and international comparisons indicate that science achievement in the United States is stagnant or declining. Of the many steps needed to improve U.S. science education, the authors write, none is more important than improving teacher training and preparation. Analyses of scores on the National Assessment of…

The University of Alabama Summer Physics Teachers Institute is a cooperative program of the university's College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences for noncertified physics teachers. The program features observation of master teachers, seminars with visiting scholars, follow-up evaluation by participants, state funding, and recognition…

The Institute for Chemical Education (located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus) is offering revised and new courses for chemistry teachers and an expanded "chemistry camp" for middle school students. Teachers' courses will focus on: chemistry demonstrations; descriptive chemistry; chemistry activities; chemical instrumentation; and…

Reviews the effects of the first stage of the Better Elementary Science Teaching Project to overcome teacher isolation and help staff development. Describes the participants and features of the project. Reports the results of using telecommunication and academic achievements. Discusses implications for the project. (YP)

Pine Ridge Reservation schools use an interdisciplinary culture-based hands-on approach to science education. During a two-week summer science camp, elementary school teachers receive training in hands-on science instruction and apply their training with students. High school science classes incorporate Lakota culture and community problem…

This study consolidated observations of teachers in an institute setting designed to facilitate science learning content through performing science processes and asking questions related to self-perceived conceptual difficulties. The subjects were 11 elementary school teachers from a school district in Northeast Florida; they were enrolled in a…

Describes a professional development program to help teachers attract city children to the study of technology and science by showing science as a way to understand and control social and material surroundings. (MKR)

The purpose of "Project Catalyst" is to enhance teacher competencies through academic-year workshops and two content-intensive summer institutes. The goals, eligibility and recruitment, selection criteria, format, and preliminary evaluation for the program are discussed. (CW)

Sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's annual Summer Science Honors Academy is a hands-on experience in science for secondary school students and teachers from throughout Appalachia. The program inspires students to pursue scientific careers and provides teachers with ways to integrate…

Funded by Lockheed Martin, the University of New Mexico College of Education conducts three-week summer science academies for elementary school teachers of populations underrepresented in science and math. Native American teachers and Hispanic teachers whose families have lived in New Mexico for generations learn to use their own local knowledge…

A summer program at the Alcohol Research Center (University of Colorado) introduces American Indian and other college students from across the country to opportunities in research and graduate programs in science and medicine. The eight-week program arranges for housing, expenses, a stipend, and a mentor. A related summer program brings high…

The University of California, Irvine offers a summer institute for elementary/secondary science teachers. A one-day research update, year-round Saturdays for Science (for fourth-sixth grades), and assistance in science curriculum development are also featured. Success is attributed to involvement of faculty, local technology-based industry, and…

Discusses aims of and proposed programs at the Institute for Chemical Education. Aims include developing creative ideas to convey chemical knowledge, improving interdisciplinary links, and addressing critical issues in chemical education. One program proposed is designed to help science teachers at all levels develop K-12 chemistry supplements.…

Two kinds of summer science camp experiences for elementary children are described. The program is intended to provide elementary teachers and preservice teachers with a chance to practice their science teaching skills. The Day Camp (K-3) emphasizes the senses and the Overnight Camp program (4-6) emphasizes instruction in science. (SA)