|
News Release DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE / August 12, 2008 Boise State Receives Grant for Idaho Elementary Teachers in Science, Tech, Engineering and Math Boise State University recently received a $191,593 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support elementary teacher enhancement of student achievement in math and science and interest in engineering and technical careers. The project, created by a team from Boise State’s colleges of engineering and education, is called the Idaho SySTEMic Solution (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics). PCS Edventures, an international educational company based in Boise, is providing instructional materials, teacher education and consulting services for the Idaho SySTEMic Solution. “The Idaho SySTEMic Solution grant recognizes Boise State’s leadership on a topic of utmost national importance – fostering scientific and mathematical literacy in young students,” said Janet Callahan, associate dean of the College of Engineering and the SySTEMic project leader. “Our children can excel in math and science and become the next generation of innovative scientists and ingenious engineers that the U.S. has always been famous for and who have contributed so fundamentally to the economic vitality of our nation. We appreciate the strong support of U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in his advocacy of this program.” The Idaho SySTEMic Solution will get under way immediately. Starting yesterday, more than 40 elementary school teachers from the Meridian School District began delving into inquiry-based science, technology and math instructional methods at the Idaho SySTEMic Solution institute at Boise State. “Through project-based, experiential learning, children solve problems, think creatively and critically and become comfortable with math and science, and more engaged and motivated to learn,” said Louis Nadelson, a Boise State education professor who will study the program’s effectiveness. PCS has developed a customized training program for the Idaho SySTEMic Solution, and will provide workshops, specialized curriculum, BrickLab® materials and ongoing support. The Idaho SySTEMic Solution will be implemented in selected classrooms, grades 1 to 5, at seven Meridian elementary schools. Boise State researchers will study the effectiveness of the program at boosting teacher confidence and expertise in inquiry-based learning, STEM teaching and awareness of engineering concepts. -30- Media Contact: Mike Journee, University Communications, (208) 426-1517, mikejournee@boisestate.edu Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu.
Last reviewed on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
|
|
|