Project Fulcrum is one of over 130 projects nationwide funded by the National Science Foundation to give future researchers in science, mathematics and engineering a realistic picture of the issues facing K-12 education and the roles they can play in addressing those issues.
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln offers a program that unites students, teachers and scientists to promote math and science education. The goals of Project Fulcrum are:
- Enhance students' opportunities to learn science and math by increasing access to inquiry-driven experiences in rightFrame areas that satisfy national and state science and math standards
- Assist teachers in gaining more science and math knowledge and increase their confidence about teaching science and math
- Provide students with diverse role models
- Improve student attitudes regarding their involvement in science and math
- Help GK-12 fellows improve pedagogical, communication and teamwork skills, thus enhancing future employment opportunities
- Assess the short- and long-term impacts of the program on the elementary and middle schools, the teachers at those schools and the GK-12 fellows
- Facilitate long-term interactions between teachers, teacher educators and STEM researchers
- Promote long-term cooperation between STEM researchers and teacher educators at UNL to stimulate additional joint activities impacting K-12 education.
