Press Release
September 11, 2008
Iowa Mathematics & Science Education Partnership gives funding for 13 grants to improve the state's math and science education system
The Iowa Mathematics & Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) awarded 13 grants totaling $1,059,949 for projects that will improve math and science education in Iowa. IMSEP requested project proposals from faculty and staff from Iowa's three public universities and their education partners in public and private sectors. The proposals had to support IMSEP's three goals: to improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students; to prepare more high-quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa's schools; and to promote statewide collaboration and cooperation.
"I was extremely pleased with not only the number of proposals but the quality as well," said Jeff Weld, UNI associate professor of biology and science education, and IMSEP director, "It's inspiring to see so many scholars come together with innovative ideas to improve math and science education in Iowa."
A peer review board reviewed more than 30 grant proposals. The following 13 proposals -- six directed toward science education, two focusing on math education, and five related to STEM education -- will be funded through June 30, 2009:
"The Carmen Sosa Farming Curriculum Project: A Planning Grant Towards Bridging Informal and Formal Math and Science Education to Enhance Talent Expansion and Teacher Performance and Recruitment in Iowa's Demographically-Transitioning Communities," a $49,085 funded proposal, will be led by Katherine Richardson Bruna, assistant professor in the Department of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University. This project aims to enhance math and science learning for culturally and linguistically-diverse youth, as well as the way their teachers learn. This project proposes to develop literacy-infused curriculum that links math and science learning. The Marshalltown Community College farm will serve as a learning site. Marshalltown Community College will be in collaboration with other Iowa universities, colleges and school districts.
" Research Avenues for Iowa Science Educators (RAISE) and Research Experience for Teacher (RET): A Collaboration on How Research Based Professional Development Internships Influence Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Teaching," a $45,982 funded proposal, will be led by Dawn Del Carlo, UNI assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry. The project will consist of workshops to evaluate teaching and learning as a result of professional development and STEM research. The Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition, along with the three public state universities will work collaboratively for this project.
"Improving Chemistry Teaching in Iowa," a $143,512 funded proposal, will be led by Bill Harwood, UNI professor and head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The purpose of the project is to discover the needs of Iowa's high school chemistry teachers in laboratory activities. Iowa's three public universities will be in collaboration for this project.
"Observational Astronomy: Instruction, Instrumentation and Curriculum Development," a $54,000 funded proposal, will be led by Siobahn Morgan, UNI professor of astronomy and associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences. The project will consist of workshops which will include resources and equipment for K-12 educators in Iowa.
"Seamless Transitions into and through Science Teacher Education,"a $58,496 funded proposal, will be led by Joanne Olson, associate professor of science education at Iowa State University. The project is expected to focus on science teacher recruitment and retention though the development of a workshop series for cooperating teachers and university specialists. Iowa State University, Drake University, the University Teacher Education Program and faculty in science and special education, will work collaboratively on this project.
"Improving Science Instruction in Pre-K Classrooms," a $99,546 funded proposal, will be led by Betty Zan, director of the Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education at UNI. The project will create a relationship among early childhood education and science education faculty to improve science education for young children in Iowa. Working together for this grant is UNI, Iowa State University, Headstart, pre-schools and childcare programs.
"Improving Mathematics Instruction in Pre-K Classrooms," a $82,879 funded proposal, will be led by Susan Hegland, associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University. The project will implement mathematics curriculum materials for Pre-K teachers to enhance mathematics instruction. UNI, the Iowa State Lab School, the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Head Start Collaboration Office, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and IHEs will work collaboratively on this project.
"A Teachers' Circle for Central Iowa Middle School Mathematics Teachers," a $49,915 funded proposal, will be led by Elgin Johnston, professor of mathematics at Iowa State University. The project aims to compile a group of teachers and mathematicians to learn about problem solving activities for Iowa middle school mathematics teachers. The project is part of Iowa State's Research Institute for Studies in Education (RISE).
"Iowa Student STEM Symposium," a $70,197 funded proposal, will be led by Lyn Countryman, UNI professor of biology and science education. The project consists of a symposium bringing students and teachers together to increase the number of students taking mathematics and science courses in highs schools. This proposal is in collaboration with the Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition.
"Learning Mathematics and Science through the Arts," a $54,575 funded proposal, will be led by Amy Hunzelman, director of education and special programs for the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) at UNI. The project will construct professional development workshops for classroom teachers and education students to master learning objectives in both the subject area and the art form. GBPAC, along with the Waterloo Community School District and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are working in collaboration for the proposal.
"Science, Engineering Technology in Iowa on Applied Renewable Energy Areas," a $78,867 funded proposal, will be led by Recayi 'Reg' Pecen, UNI associate professor of industrial technology. The project will provide area teachers with an applied mathematics and science curriculum package based on alternative energy sources though a series of weekend professional development workshops. Collaborators for the project include the UNI College of Natural Sciences and the Cedar Falls and Waterloo community schools.
"Iowa Mathematics and Science Academy," a $219,827 funded proposal, will be led by Angela Francis, UNI academic adviser for Upward Bound mathematics and science. The aim of the project is to generate STEM-related education skills in low-income, first-generation and minority students. Iowa's three public universities will work together on this proposal.
"Planning for Success in STEM for Students with Disabilities: A Working Conference," a $53,058 funded proposal, will be led by Audrey Rule, UNI associate professor of curriculum and instruction, and Greg Stefanich, UNI professor of curriculum and instruction. This project is a two-day conference to brainstorm ways to improve in several areas, the secondary and post-secondary science and mathematics education of students with disabilities.