So, James explains, Singer decided to try to directly reach teachers with the CASE venture. Jackson finds her experience in First Light enriching and says she gains a lot of knowledge from the scientists who volunteer. Julie McMillan, a molecular biologist at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., and a First Light volunteer scientist, says her involvement with the program is among the most rewarding aspects of her career. For example, First Light participants conduct their own simple experiments to learn about physics principles, or visit the local grocery store to learn about nutrition. Millan hopes to be a volunteer for CASE, as well.
CASE also has supporters outside of the core partnership.
Specifically, CASE was successful because it paid equal attention to subject matter and pedagogical theory and because it included scientists and mathematicians as part of the project team, Cozzens says. Cozzens adds that about half of the proposals that NSF's ESI division receives are generated directly from scientists. The division solicits proposals that bring together teacher enhancement, curriculum development, and science education taking place in organizations such as community groups, schools, and museums. The goal of CASE over the next five years is to train 450 teachers and form partnerships with more than one-third of Washington's public elementary schools, about 45 schools in total. However, as Singer points out, seeing a difference in students' learning and interest in science and mathematics is the primary goal.