Project Info
The goal of the project is to engage research scientists, university science educators, graduate students and science teachers in a partnership to enhance high school students’ learning of science through the application of student-centered scientific inquiry-based activities in the classroom. Specific objectives include (a) establishing partnerships between Texas A&M University and Texas Region 6 schools for the improvement of science curriculum; (b) enhancing science graduate student fellows’ communication, teaching, and team-building skills by engaging them in planning and team teaching with high school IPC teachers while broadening their scientific knowledge base; (c) providing professional development for teachers that tightens their connection between current knowledge about how people learn and their implementation of state-provided materials designed to support student-directed inquiry in IPC classes; and (d) establish an outreach program bringing these students to campus to see contemporary science research and everyday life.
The Principal Investigator on the project is Dr. Eric Simanek, in the Department of Chemistry. Ms. Christi Everett of the Bryan Independent School District is the project coordinator. Ms. Everett is assisted from Texas A&M University by Ms. Veronica Ramirez. The project team includes Dr. Janie Schielack (Mathematics), Dr. Carol Stuessy (Teaching, Learning and Culture), and Dr. Susan Pedersen (Education Psychology). Dr. James Lindner (Agricultural Education) serves as our external evaluator.