Project SEER: Science Education for Equity Reform

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This project, Science Education for Equity Reform, (SEER) is a response to demographic trends which show that the population of 18-22 year olds in the 1990s will be both smaller in magnitude and different in composition. If the needs of the nation are to be met, the demographic data affirm that we must remove those barriers which keep females and minorities from choosing careers in science and engineering. The two-fold objective of Project SEER is to improve, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the science instruction at the K-5 levels and, at the same time, to achieve a condition of equity which allows full educational opportunity for each child regardless of gender, ethnic origin, or any other factor which limits achievement. SEER is a pilot project to be carried out in the six elementary schools of University City, Missouri School District. This demonstration project is destined to serve as a model for potential adoption by other school districts that want to achieve equitable science learning for all children. One hundred elementary teachers from University City, Missouri will be selected to participate in this program which includes a 3-week physics institute for teachers K-5, a 1-week curriculum institute for teachers K-2 and development of curriculum models and activities for grades 3-5 during the summer of 1989. In addition there will be academic year physics institutes followed by a 1-week curriculum institute for teachers and the refinement of the K-2 curriculum during the summer of l990. The Educational Equity Center of the Mid- Continent Regional Educational Laboratory (MCREL) will work with the American Institute of Physics on this program. An amount equal to about 20% of the NSF request is being cost-shared by University City School district and private sector funding.