Introduction - oakwood university, a four-year, historically black, accredited university located in huntsville, alabama submits this proposal to the nasaimarshali space flight center to operate the…

Introduction - oakwood university, a four-year, historically black, accredited university located in huntsville, alabama submits this proposal to the nasaimarshali space flight center to operate the pre-service teacher institute from april 201 i-march 2014. With strong support from NASA and the huntsville public schools, oakwood has successfully operated the psti over the past eight years. This proposal seeks to continue this partnership. Program description - the pre-service teacher institute is planned as an intensive, two-week summer residential session for early childhood and elementary education majors. College students from diverse backgrounds and diverse schools spend a dynamic and exciting time at nasaimarshall space flight center, located near the campus. They also attend and participate in other science venues like space and rocker center, mcwain center in birmingham where they are exposed to problem-based learning in mathematics and science, the use of NASA curriculum and teaching resources, and methods of incorporating technology into curriculum. Other experiences include NASA's cutting-edge, research-based lesson plans and work with state-of-the art technology such as the digital learning network. Program objectives to model and promote the use of scientific inquiry through problem-based learning for pre-service teachers. To enhance pre-service early childhood, elementary and middle school teachers' knowledge, skills, and strategies for teaching mathematics and science. To promote enthusiasm and self-confidence for teaching science and mathematics for pre-service teachers of young children through cooperative learning activities. To provide pre-service teachers and faculty with a variety of alternative instructional strategies utilizing scientific inquiry and problem-based learning. To provide pre-service teachers with an opportunity to utilize a variety of technologies for presentation of information. Program evaluation: the process of evaluation proposed for this grant includes quantitative and qualitative methods. This includes administration and analysis of pre and post survey questions designed to ascertain the acquisition of skills in stem as well as the extent to which participant attitudes regarding stem have improved or lessened as the result of the classroom and lab experiences. The statistical analysis involves a comparison of mean scores on the pre and post test results. Significance - the program is designed to increase participants' skills in teaching mathematics and science while incorporating technology into the curriculum. This is achieved through the development of a problem-based learning (PBL) space exploration theme. Participants develop a group lesson that they present at the institute and teach to local elementary school children. Psti staff provides evaluation and feedback following the group presentation of lessons.