Improving Natural Science Education in Rural Elementary Schools

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This project is a cooperative effort between the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Center for Rural Education of New Mexico State University. It brings together scientists and educators for the purpose of improving science education in rural elementary schools. The project will develop hands-on kits and working models on a number of related topics. Kits will use locally available specimens, background material, scientific apparatus, and suggested activities to teach natural science concepts. Working models such as stream tables to demonstrate the evolution of landforms and terraria mini-environments to demonstrate ecological relationships will be developed. Teachers' manuals will be written and workshops offered to train teachers to properly use the kits. Teachers will also receive training in the development of additional kits specific to their local conditions. The materials will be designed for use with multi-cultural populations and will build upon existing knowledge of rural children. Activities also include the establishment of out-of-school natural science clubs.