Marvin Tegen, also involved with the program since its beginnings, relates an incident that at first dismayed the trainers during one workshop. But the teacher returned a short time later with her superintendent in tow, making it clear that Project Science Literacy was the type of program the teachers needed. Many sources are quick to point to the teacher as the main problem in science education, but elementary teachers are not required to take more than a semester of science, and they seldom choose chemistry. Yet the state of Michigan mandates that they teach hands-on chemistry activities. In addition, Project Science Literacy is not just concerned with developing competence in teaching science, it also strives to increase teachers' confidence.
Education is at best a complex process.
It becomes even more complex for science education because science is a dynamic subject. To become a masterful teacher of science requires ever-increasing capabilities and understanding. Another challenge for teachers is the problem of insufficient funds for the purchase of chemicals for classroom experiments and demonstrations. Using household and other easily available chemical products saves money and eliminates the trouble of ordering from specialized supply houses. Using household chemicals also encourages students to read the labels on products that they use every day.