Science Teacher Enhancement Program (STEP)
About STEP
Teaching Science with TOYS
STEP Announcement
NPRA Thanks the Sponsors of STEP 2008
If you are interested in sponsoring or attending STEP 2009 please contact Myndie Petersen at mpetersen@npra.org.
The NPRA sponsored STEP program is designed to provide teachers from grades K-8 with the tools and resources they need to improve and nurture quality education for their students in chemistry and physics. Based on an award-winning curriculum developed at Miami University of Ohio, STEP focuses on hands-on activities to bring science to life for students. Teachers learn how to build on students' curiosity using toys and everyday objects to encourage them to make real-life connections between the classroom and the outside world. NPRA's goal is to help improve the teaching of science in elementary schools in order to build the future scientific and engineering talent pool needed by refiners and petrochemical producers. These industries, in turn, contribute to the nation's security, economic growth and quality of life.
By making science intriguing and fun, teachers are empowering today's young people with the knowledge base and critical thinking skills needed to succeed tomorrow in a wide range of science-based professions.
The program consists of:
- Each session is 5 days (Mon-Fri), currently NPRA holds 2 sessions with 24 teacher participants per session
- Location is determined by member interest in hosting a session
- Teachers are nominated and sponsored by member companies
- Teacher Participants receive:
- 5 days of instruction, learning new and innovative ways to teach chemistry
- Wealth of activity books with lessons and toys to teach them
- 2 graduate credits from Miami University of Ohio (upon completion of the follow-up assignment)
- Travel and living expenses for the week session as well as the one day follow-up session
How to participate if you are an NPRA member company
How to participate if you are a teacher
For more information please contact:
Myndie Petersen - mpetersen@npra.org
202-457-0480