The Los Alamos National Laboratory National Teacher Enhancement Program is a three-year effort to improve elementary school science programs in northern New Mexico. School teams also include administrators who will participate in limited activities during the school year. The first year of the program began with twenty-five teachers from 14 schools participating. Participants earned six semester hours of graduate credit for the summer institute and two hours for the academic year workshops from University of New Mexico extension, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Teachers present a balanced view of what science is and how it is conducted in the real world.
Teachers refer to real world science issues and problems in their lessons. Teachers establish relevance of science outside school context. Teachers motivate students to take more science in school and to explore science outside school. Teachers provide opportunities for students and parents to collaborate on science projects outside the school context. Teachers share NTEP program materials with colleagues.