TRC: Science Collaboratives

University of Houston Regional Science Collaborative

Mission

The mission of the UH Collaborative is that every K12 student, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or gender, receives exemplary science instruction. In our view, exemplary science instruction is instruction that delivers conceptual science content while creating student success, developing critical thinking skills, and nurturing students’ natural curiosity in science.

To achieve our mission and leverage our impact on students, we provide high quality, large scale, science teacher professional development programs and resources. These programs focus on science and technology, research-based inquiry teaching strategies, and teacher leadership and mentoring. By using inquiry teaching methods, we promote teacher confidence, curiosity and appreciation of science teaching. We also contribute to the local, state and national knowledge base to address the national need for improved K12 science programs.

Our ultimate aim is to create a community of learners of science teachers that will produce systemic change in K12 science education.

Accomplishments

During its inaugural year (2011-12), the UH Collaborative and the associated UH Science Teaching Equity Project will directly impact 300 teachers and 10,000 students while providing over 300 hours of science teacher professional development.