Each of ten pairs of fellows forms a partnership with two or three teachers from participating middle schools and collaborate during the year to develop curriculum-based SMET activities in areas targeted by the schools. Teachers and fellows begin their partnerships during a Summer Institute which includes sessions on curriculum, pedagogy, and advances in SMET fields. Teams of fellows and teachers begin the process of developing new curriculum-based science activities during the Summer Institute, and continue to work together in the schools for ten hours each week.
Fellows devote an additional five hours to preparation and regular meetings and seminars.
This project benefits several constituencies. While working in the schools, fellows improve their teaching skills as they communicate and convey the spirit and substance of science and scientific research. K-12 students experience the excitement and relevance of science, mathematics and technology education. School districts, their administrators and educators, benefit from their sustained partnership with the University, its faculty and students.