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By University Communications
July 16, 2009

A total of 35 STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – teachers are convening at The University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 for the Summer Institute of the Arizona Center for Science Teachers.

The fourth- to eighth-grade teachers participating in the intensive summer program are spending nearly three weeks on the Biosphere 2 campus and will participate in a broad array of activities designed to improve science instruction.

With leadership from six master and award-winning teachers, and with considerable support from the UA community, they will explore issues related to inquiry- and project-based instruction.

The lead teachers are Laurie Burrell (2007 Arizona Educational Foundation Teacher of the Year), Briana Gryzynger, Sarah Baird (2009 Arizona Educational Foundation Teacher of the Year), Leah Easmont, Greg Stafford and Jennifer von Kolen. 

The UA, along with representatives from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, are providing the resources for the program, which is being held for the first time. Organizers hope it will become an annual event.

The central mission of the Arizona Center for Science Teachers is to promote effective teaching and retention through peer-driven professional development. ACST programming is developed by teachers for teachers in collaboration with science educators and leaders from throughout the state.

Science Foundation Arizona has awarded a three-year grant to the UA's B2 Institute, located at Biosphere 2, to establish ACST, a teacher resource and training center that will expand the quality and retention of science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers in Arizona. The Philecology Foundation provided matching funds.

The B2 Institute is a center for research, outreach and teaching located at Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Ariz. Managed by the UA, the B2 Institute offers conference facilities and lodging.

Its affiliation with various academic units at the University offers unique opportunities for collaborative programming in a natural laboratory setting.