The GK-12 Urban Educators Program at IUPUI

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) Abstract Proposal #: 0742475 PI: Kathleen Marrs Institution: Indiana University-Purdue University Title: The GK-12 Urban Educators Program at IUPUI: Teaching and Learning Science through Research NSF-supported STEM disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Earth Sciences This project combines the research and teaching strengths of the IUPUI School of Science (SOS) and the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) with requests by local teachers for inquiry-based STEM laboratory experiences for children in grades 6-12. The selected urban partner schools have core competences in medical or environmental education. The fellows will collaborate with a secondary science or math teacher in ongoing professional development to develop grade-appropriate research activities. Innovative aspects include development of layered research projects that build in complexity through several grade levels, with a theme of relevance to student?s lives. Expected outcomes include enhanced research, teaching, leadership and communication skills of the fellows. Benefits to science teachers include opportunities for professional development, collaboration with GK-12 fellows and university faculty, and opportunities to engage their students in scientific research. Goals for middle and high school students include exposure to mentors and role models, opportunities to experience research, and exposure to science and math as exciting and desirable career options. By designing a collaborative, diverse partnership between STEM graduate researchers, faculty and STEM teachers, this project allows us to integrate research-based activities into the teaching and learning of secondary science and math, broaden the involvement and participation of a diverse inner-city student body in research, and strengthen existing ties between IUPUI and the local community.