Challenges in enhancing science education in elementary classrooms through university-school district partnerships

Abstract

Science and math performance of America's children has shown a decline in recent years. A study among K-S teachers in the Hillsborough County, Florida (location of the project) showed that 64% the teachers did not feel prepared in science content and 49% did not feel prepared in mathematics. This paper discusses some of the major challenges of a partnership between the University of South Florida and the school district of the Hillsborough County of Florida that was undertaken with the help of a National Science Foundation grant to improve science education in elementary classes. This project focuses on K-5 classes and is poised to infuse advanced knowledge in sciences and engineering in the curriculum within the framework of state science education standards.