Location:

United States

Description:
NOVA was created to develop and disseminate a national framework for enhancing science, mathematics, and technology literacy for teachers in the 21st century. The NOVA consortium, with the University of Alabama, Fayetteville State University and the University of Idaho as lead institutions, is working to produce enhanced science, mathematics and technology literacy for new teachers. This effort is accomplished through the demonstration of an undergraduate science/math/technology course framework, examples of successful course models, and a mentoring support system for faculty wishing to implement new courses or modify existing courses at their universities. The framework uses interactive learning and integrates science, mathematics and technology as a means of developing a new paradigm for educating teachers.

NOVA invites the participation of science, mathematics, engineering, technology, and education faculty who are concerned with how universities prepare new teachers. Using the NASA mission, facilities, and resources, NOVA provides faculty with enhanced knowledge and skills to implement change in university courses. The NOVA team presents its framework for change primarily through three-day workshops to interdisciplinary university teams. These universities are then eligible to submit proposals for Implementation Planning Grants (up to $30,000 for a one-year period) to initiate change in science, mathematics, or engineering courses for preparing K-12 teachers. In addition, the project links participants together through a World Wide Web server, which provides the means for faculty and students to exchange and have access to the model, materials, activities, and updated information.

The schedule of workshops and application information is available at http://www.eng.ua.edu/~nova. Each participating university or college must identify an interdisciplinary faculty team for the workshop. One team member must be a faculty member in the College of Education. A second team member must be a faculty member in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology. The third team member should be a university or college administrator (e.g., provost, dean, or department head). Applying teams must have access to interactive technologies and the Internet for classroom use. A memorandum of understanding signed by the deans of each college or division participating in the project must be submitted to demonstrate a university-wide commitment. 

URL:
http://www.eng.ua.edu/~nova

Organization:
University of Alabama
Fayetteville State University
University of Idaho
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Contact:
L. Michael Freeman, Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics, University of Alabama, Box 870280, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0280; Phone: (205) 348-7304; Fax: (205) 348-4171; Email: nova@coe.eng.ua.edu or mfreeman@coe.eng.ua.edu

Education Level:
Undergraduate

Subject:
Earth System Science
Remote Sensing

Program type:
Curriculum Development/Support
Faculty Enhancement
Teacher Training (Pre-service)

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00