The program enables students and teachers alike to associate their efforts with those of the community of science. The Rutgers Science Teacher Education Program Closely associated with the Student Scholars Program is a new Science Teacher Program. It is based on the premise that if teachers are to communicate both the substance and the spirit of science to their students, they must be more closely connected to ongoing scientific research. Only when teachers become aware of how science truly functions can they effectively engage the developing intellectual abilities and learning styles of their students. The program is being designed to help bridge the gap between high schools and the scientific community.
Science is a problem solving activity carried out within a community of scholars.
To truly learn and know science, one should be involved in the practice of science through participation within the community of science. This new program intends to develop teachers who have strong experiences in laboratory research. Teachers will then become familiar with the manner in which knowledge in science develops, as well as the general ambiance that characterizes research in science. As a result, they will be able to integrate the culture of science within the public culture through the schools.