Rutgers-Camden: Partners in Life Sciences

Abstract

Camden is one of the nation’s most economically disadvantaged areas and has one of the most troubled school districts. Only 41 percent of Camden’s students graduate from high school. In an effort to improve this situation Rutgers University is working with the Camden School District to provide support to its science teaching staff to increase student’s interest and competence in science and encourage minority students to prepare themselves for scientific careers. Middle school science teachers will attend a summer training institute to learn about modern techniques in neurobiology neuropsychology and cognitive science by combining hands-on lab experience with field trips to local health-related institutions. As much of the summer institutes as possible will be incorporated into the middle school science curriculum through lab activities guest speakers and field trips. This project will train all of Camden ‘s 67 middle school teachers and its 12 high school biology teachers.