November 6, 2008

Teachers, fellows to discuss teaching K-12 STEM disciplines

The Indiana Interdisciplinary GK-12 augments science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) middle school education by providing enrichment opportunities for graduate fellows, teachers, and middle school students. This program works with middle schools in the Lafayette School Corporation, Tippecanoe School Corporation and Community Schools of Frankfort.

At the conference, which is put on by Purdue's Discovery Learning Center at Discovery Park, participants will be able to share best practices in teaching the STEM disciplines, present talks and posters on graduate work, discuss models to sustain and institutionalize the GK-12 program, and encourage collaboration. The GK-12 program is an example of how universities and K-12 schools can partner to increase K-12 student interest and learning in the STEM disciplines, said Gabriela C. Weaver, interim director of the Discovery Learning Center.

Daniel Burke, a Purdue alumnus who directed research and analysis activities at CNA Corp.'s civil education program, will be the keynote dinner speaker on Friday (Nov. 7) in the Buchanan Room at Ross-Ade Stadium Pavilion. Burke presently studies the use of system dynamics approaches and computer modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of educational systems. His work examines the implementations of systemic reform in K-12 education and the critical factors in recruiting and retaining high-quality math and science teachers.

Brett Gruetzmacher, principal at Lafayette Tecumseh Junior High School, will speak during lunch that day at the Beck Center. Ping Ge, a National Science Foundation program director, will give closing remarks during lunch on Saturday (Nov. 8).

The Discovery Learning Center is one of 11 interdisciplinary research centers in Purdue's Discovery Park. The mission of the center is to advance research that revolutionizes learning in the STEM disciplines. Through externally funded research projects, innovative programs and collaborative partnerships, the center is committed to redesigning educational practices and creating innovative learning environments that have immediate impacts and nurture lifelong learning for students and citizens of a global community.

The Beck Agricultural Center is located at 4540 U.S. 52 West. For more information, contact (765) 494-6717 or learningcenter@purdue.edu

Writer: Clyde Hughes, (765) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu

Source: Gabriela C. Weaver, (765) 496-3055, gweaver@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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