Dr. Bambi Bailey, and Dr. Pamela Stephens recently received a grant for $150,052.00

Dr. Bambi Bailey, assistant professor of education, and Dr. Pamela Stephens, assistant professor of biology at Midwestern State University, recently received a grant for $150,052.00 from the National Science Foundation. The funds will be used to enhance three laboratory science courses required of early childhood through eighth grade (EC-8) preservice teachers by incorporating inquiry and case-based instruction. The courses will support the National Science Education Standards as well as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and will facilitate the modeling of exemplary inquiry teaching in a science. Inquiry is a fundamental aspect of the science TEKS, and teaches are expected to provide lessons that allow students to actively participate in doing science. Therefore, teachers need to be comfortable using inquiry teaching strategies so they will be better able to prepare students for their statewide science tests. Preservice teachers need to see people model incorporation of inquiry teaching strategies in science courses before they are able to envision themselves teaching younger students in this manner. 6/26/03