Center for Science Education
Administratively housed in the College of Education, the Center for Science Education is a university-wide vehicle for integrating work in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, and technology (STEM fields) with K-12 classrooms.
The center's mission is to improve the quality of STEM teaching and learning throughout Kansas.
This work has focused on how to integrate contemporary STEM research and development into K-12 classrooms. Projects that place STEM graduate students in K-12 classrooms as 'resident scientists' enable young people to learn about/participate in research. A similar project placing graduate students in classrooms as 'resident engineers' engages K-12 students in programming sensors for classroom use. Projects in sustainability and climate change explore youth engagement in contemporary issues.
Current work explores linking STEM education across the three campuses (Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe) with employment and industry needs.
The center facilitates collaborations on research, curriculum development, program development, and professional development related to the Next Generation Science Standards, engaging school administrators, teachers, researchers, STEM faculty, and non-formal educators.
