PRISM: Project to Improve Science Models

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9254439 Hooper The Project to Improve Science Models (PRISM) is a multifaceted plan to improvethe science preparation of all prospective teachers of grades 1-9 by transformingpreservice courses and field experiences. Objectives of this project are university faculty collaborating with professional teachers to effect the undergraduate educationof pre-service teachers in order to: increase understanding of science concepts,processes and skills; develop creative skills and positive attitudes toward science; and ultimately transfer these competencies into classrooms. The major components of the project include the development of: three core content courses (12 semester hours) integrating six science disciplines; a 3 semester hour infused methods course; effective modeling of multimedia instructional technology; a mentor teacher network, and a science resource center. The project is a collaboration developed by a steering committee of eight teachers working with university faculty, input from both Arts and Sciences faculty and Education faculty, 60 area teachers, and a local educational consortia, CESAs. The University faculty is designing integrated courses infusing multimedia technology; the teachers serve as mentors for over 1000 prospective teachers; and, CESAs provides technical assistance, educational materials, and logistical support. Materials being developed make the project model available and transportable so as to affect positive changes in 1-9 preservice teacher education. ***y