NSF Grant to Fund Purdue STEM Project
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe National Science Foundation has awarded a $2 million grant to the Purdue University College of Education. The funding will go toward a five-year project that aims to boost STEM learning among undergraduates studying elementary education.
The project, titled "Using Principles of Design to Advance Teacher Education," involves faculty from not only the College of Education, but also the colleges of Engineering and Science who will work with 240 undergraduate students. Faculty will looks to "broaden the STEM learning landscape by integrating engineering design principles across five required undergraduate science courses."
"Little is known about how STEM faculty bridge their ideas and instructional expertise to create a new model for elementary science teacher preparation. That’s what makes this project important," said Brenda Capobianco, a professor in the College of Education. "Our findings will help science and education faculty understand how preservice elementary teachers learn STEM concepts and devise creative new ways to integrate these principles and practices into their teaching."
Purdue says the intent of the project is to create a new generation of STEM educators. College of Education Dean Maryann Santos says the project will ultimately boost STEM learning among elementary school students as a result of creating better teachers.
The NSF has initially awarded $1.5 million for the project and will award the remaining funds at the three-year point in the project.