Welcome

The Discovery Learning Center at Discovery Park is offering a unique opportunity for graduate students in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to undertake a one-year fellowship funded by the National Science Foundation and Purdue University. Fellows will serve as "visiting scientists" in a program designed to instill the excitement of learning science into middle school classrooms. Teamed with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science and math teachers, fellows will develop lesson plans and teach interdisciplinary-focused experiments geared toward science in everyday life.

The Indiana Interdisciplinary GK-12 augments STEM middle school education by providing enrichment opportunities for graduate fellows, teachers, and middle school students.

• STEM graduate students along with their faculty mentors enhance their communication and teaching abilities while acquiring a better understanding of the role of researchers in K-12 education.
• Teachers gain professional development and curriculum enhancement opportunities with access to content matter support.
• Middle school students take advantage of interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curricula and exposure to science role models.

The four specific project goals are:

1. Enhance the quality of STEM education in middle schools, particularly those within small town or rural communities, and with a multicultural and/or lower socioeconomic component, thus increasing student STEM knowledge and interest;
2. Provide training and mentoring for graduate fellows, including experience in middle school classrooms, and enhancements to develop their ability as future STEM faculty or professionals;
3. Provide professional development for middle school teachers, enhancing offerings and inquiry-based education in STEM disciplines; and
4. Foster ongoing, mutually beneficial partnerships between the university and area school corporations to continually enhance STEM education.
   If you have questions, please contact Amy Childress at 765.496.3590 or childres@purdue.edu.