In-service training in nuclear science for classroom teachers in the Oak Ridge area
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Since the early 1980s US elementary and secondary school students have been encouraged to take tougher courses in order to become more science and math literate, and results show some improvements in math and science knowledge and skills. However, the eighth-grade results of the 41-nation Third International Math and Science Study show that the US is below average in math and just slightly above the international average in science. This is just not acceptable in this science-and-technology-driven information era. The first step in raising achievement is setting high standards for what students should know and be able to do. The primary responsibility for achieving high standards rests not only with students, teachers, and parents but also with school systems, federal programs, research, organizations, and human resources from science-and-technology-oriented businesses. Professional development for educators is one of the key issues and critical to positively affecting science education reform. Therefore, the Oak Ridge-Knoxville Section of the American Nuclear Society, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, local businesses and industries, and Tennessee schools established a partnership to present quality professional development programs to middle school and high school educators. Goals of these programs include the following: (1) to help educators understand the basic concepts of radiation; (2) to increase awareness of nuclear energy and related environmental issues; (3) to present information about careers in science and engineering as they relate to nuclear energy; and (4) to demonstrate nuclear science-related activities that can be replicated in the classroom.
- OSTI ID:
- 644238
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980606-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: IM9824%%111
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 78; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Nuclear Society, Nashville, TN (United States), 7-12 Jun 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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