Summer Program Sparks Interest in Science

Science teachers from more than 20 schools throughout Central Arkansas took part in professional development programs designed to spark students’ interest in science.

Thirty science teachers participated in a four-day program called “Science Lead Teacher Institute.” The session provided seven through tenth-grade science teachers hands-on, inquiry-oriented method of instruction.

Another program, called “Solar Exploration”, gave 20 science teachers lessons and labs on the solar system. The program looked at the formation history of the solar system, planetary geology, as well as the feasibility of a solar system exploration and habitation program.

Visit our YouTube site for the video.The Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education hosted the programs held recently on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. The programs were funded by the U.S. Department of Education and NASA. The center in provides in-service professional development activities for science and math teachers, assistance with curriculum improvement in partner K-12 schools and offers a broad array of summer activities for K-12 students and teachers.

Center officials conducted a survey among public school teachers to determine their needs. The needs assessment was used to design the programs offered this summer, said Dr. Umadevi Garimella , director of the Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education.

Garimella received a more than $100,000 grant for the “Science Lead Teacher Institute,” which is a three-year program. She received a nearly $30,000 grant for the NASA workshop.

“The ultimate goal of this grant is to improve student achievement,” she said.

Joyce Lofton, who teaches physical science at North Little Rock High School, said the program will enhance her instruction in the classroom. The program also provided Lofton with labs that she previously did not have for some of her lessons.

“We learned not only how to keep our classes student-centered, but also how to do these activities,” Lofton said. “We are getting a lot out of these classes. I have gone home and typed up what I have learned and incorporated it into my lesson plans for next year.”

Dr. Faith Yarberry , visiting professor in the Chemistry Department, taught labs for the “Science Lead Teacher Institute.” Yarberry noted that the program also helps teachers who may not have lab materials for their students.

“We give the teachers inexperience ideas that they can use in the classroom,” she said.

The summer programs are beneficial because it provides teachers valuable information and an opportunity to exchange ideas.

“It’s all about getting new ideas,” Yarbery added. “If they can excite those students, those students will come out of their classes with a better attitude about science and they will enjoy science.”