Partnerships for Reform through Investigative Science and Mathematics

University Of Hawaii At Hilo, Hilo HI

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal describes a Track 1 project developed by the University of Hawaii in partnerships for Reform through Investigative Science and Mathematics (PRISM). This is a pioneering initiative that will improve science and mathematics education in K-8 schools serving a rural and ethnically diverse student population in Hawaii. There are four major goals noted in the proposal: 1. Enhance PRISM Fellows' communication, teaching, and learning proficiency. 2. Improve PRISM Teachers' mathematics, science, and technology pedagogical content knowledge. 3. Improve K-8 Students' attitudes towards science and content knowledge. 4. Transform the existing HIDOE and UHH partnership into a sustainable learning community. This project is designed to develop teaching methods and curriculum based on the standards and NSF supported materials like FOSS and that are relevant to the local regions through the advancement of discovery and understanding of science and mathematics related to local interest topics. The approach brings together the expertise of faculty and graduate students from the UHH Tropical Conversation Biology and Environmental Science Masters' program with the teaching skills of lead teachers in K-8 Schools.