Mines receives $2.5 million toward K-5 education initiative
GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 11, 2008 – A $2.5 million challenge grant from Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. will help Colorado School of Mines kick off a new education initiative aimed at engaging elementary age children in science and math.
- Determine why K-5 students lose interest in mathematics and science and how the trend can be reversed or prevented
- Create K-5 programs that promote interest in mathematics, science and engineering
- Create pre-service and in-service programs that improve elementary teachers’ competence and confidence in their mathematical and scientific knowledge and increase their use of hands-on instruction in the classroom
“Engaging elementary students in science and math is a growing component of Mines’ outreach mission. This initiative will help promote interest in these crucial subjects and will help teachers create effective instruction strategies that can be used in schools nationwide,” said Mines President M.W. “Bill” Scoggins.
The Colorado School of Mines Foundation is working to raise $2.5 million in matching funds over the course of the grant.
Oliver Grenham, director of elementary education at Adams County School District 50:
“Our involvement with this partnership will serve to enhance the overall academic achievement of our students in science and math and encourage them to think seriously about a career in the scientific arena.”
Tony Van Gytenbeek, deputy superintendent of Aurora Public Schools:
“The graduate students placed in our classrooms will bring a high level of content knowledge and provide our students additional role models for the study of science and mathematics.”
Barb Moskal, Mines associate professor in mathematical and computer sciences and director of the Center for the Assessment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics:
“Our basic premise is that if K-12 students learn about exciting applications of science, mathematics and engineering, they are more likely to enter the related fields. They need to become involved in real experiments and not just read about them in a book.”