The National Science Resources Center (NSRC) and institutions of higher education work collaboratively to improve science education.  Through the NSRC, scientists, engineers, and educators from our nation’s colleges and universities have access to two of our nation’s most prestigious academic institutions—the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academies.

Academic institutions work in concert with the NSRC to:

• Work with local school districts to assess and improve their science programs based on research and best practices
• Serve as a faculty member at NSRC science education strategic planning institutes, working conferences, and workshops

Contribute to Higher Education Reform Programs

• Improve programs for teachers of science and the teaching of science
• Serve as a faculty member at NSRC institutes, working conferences, and workshops

Participate in the Professional Development of Teachers

• Collaborate with teacher leaders in professional development programs to learn about effective science learning, teaching strategies, and resources
• Assist with the design and delivery of professional development programs for current and future teachers of science

Design and Prepare Curriculum

• Serve as a technical adviser in the development, revision, and dissemination of elementary and middle school instructional materials

Enhance Teaching Skills

• Have access to research-based, classroom-tested teaching methodologies
• Participate in research on the most effective ways to teach science teachers to implement inquiry-based science programs

Act as Advocates

• Speak out as a key education leader on the need to improve how science is learned and taught
• Join in the nationwide learning network of more than 4,000 leaders working to improve science education programs based on research and best practices
• Develop articles for journals, newsletters, and other publications to advance science education reform nationally and internationally