New GK-12: Reach for the Stars: Computational Models for Teaching and Learning in Physics, Astronomy and Computer Science

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Developed around the research theme of computer innovation in modeling and simulation of complex human and physical systems, co-PIs and their students will work with local classroom teachers with the goal of taking cutting-edge modeling and simulation from the fields of computer science, physics and astronomy and translate them into tools that can teach grade-level appropriate science content. Each graduate fellow will be partnered with a local classroom teacher and will engage in a training, development, and implementation process over the entire year. External evaluators will help us assess progress towards the goals and benchmarks of the program.More broadly, this work will build the graduate fellow?s teaching, analytical and communication skills. The fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of their research in deconstructing and isolating the basic concepts of computer science, physics, and astronomy from their work to teach them to the classroom students. Classroom teachers will be exposed to cutting-edge scientific research and the research process as well as forming lasting partnerships with university researchers and scientists. Classroom students, many from traditionally underrepresented populations, will gain an improved understanding of science content and the research process, enabling them to be more informed consumers of science content presented in the media. Classroom students will also be encouraged to pursue careers in science, technology, mathematics and engineering from interactions with the fellows as role models and mentors.