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Home > About NPRA > Science Teacher Program > About STEP |
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About STEPAbout STEPTestimonials Company Sponsors Since 1999, NPRA has sponsored the annual Science Teachers Enhancement Program or STEP. STEP’s goal is to improve the teaching of science in elementary schools and to help build the future scientific and engineering talent pool needed by refiners and petrochemical producers. These industries, in turn, help to improve lives and contribute to the nation’s security and economic growth. It’s a unique program designed to provide teachers with the tools and resources they need to improve and nurture quality education for their students in chemistry. With fewer grade school students demonstrating an interest in science and math, NPRA and its member companies hope to encourage an interest in science from an early age. The program is based on the highly-successful, award-winning program developed at Miami University of Ohio. It focuses on hands-on activities to bring these sciences to life for students. Using superballs, yo-yos, Ooze ™, Shrinky Dinks® and other toys and everyday objects, teachers are taught how to build on a student’s curiosity and encourage them to make real-life connections between the classroom and the student’s outside world. The teachers also learn a lot of science in the process, especially since many times teachers who have had no science in college end up teaching the subject. The program features two separate sessions of chemistry, typically during last two weeks of June. In 2006, both sessions were held in the Houston area. The 2007 sessions will be held in Houston and The Woodlands, TX. The teachers also have the opportunity to call or email their instructors and fellow teachers once back at school to share experiences and seek advice. Finally, teachers meet for one day on January 2006 in Houston for a review session to reinforce what they have learned and to present projects they have developed using the concepts and methods taught in June. How are the teachers selected? That’s where NPRA members play a critical role in the program’s success. Each regular member nominates one or more teachers near their facilities as a way to maintain relationships and build good will with the community. Companies cover the costs of travel and lodging. NPRA covers the cost of the instruction and teaching materials. STEP is an effective effort to help improve the teaching of science in elementary schools. By making science intriguing and fun, teachers are empowering today’s young people with the knowledge base and critical thinking skills needed to succeed tomorrow in a wide range of science-based professions. What Previous Program Participants Have Said… "The last two weeks of June were, in all honesty, the most productive of all my academic career. The increased chemistry content knowledge that was gained will be invaluable. My teaching skills and the ability to impart that knowledge to my students will be enhanced with the information garnered. The January session is anxiously awaited. The program is truly exemplary. Again, thank you for making this possible!" "I think they (the students) are going to love it. This gets kids to look at science in a different way. It makes science much more exciting." "As a professional educator I have also had the opportunity to grow. After the class I could never look at toys the same way. Many times I found myself in the toy aisle thinking how I could use this toy to enhance the curriculum? I just have this renewed interest in science again. I want to express my appreciation to your company for investing in the students and teachers in your community. Thank you for truly making a difference in the lives of my students." Company Sponsors NPRA thanks its member companies for sponsoring and participating in the STEP program over the years.
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