The National Science Foundation, an independent government agency funded by Congress, gives grants to education and research programs in science, math, technology and engineering. Its goal is for all students to be technologically literate when entering the workplace or college. The following are among the larger grants NSF has made to Chicago area institutions in recent years.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Chicago Systemic Initiative. A citywide effort involving staff development and school-based teams.
Amount: An estimated $10 million from 1994 through 1999.
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Everyday Mathematics, 4-6. An extension of work in lower grades, this project is designed to develop a complete mathematics curriculum for grades 4,5, and 6, including data analysis, math in everyday situations and math in the natural and social sciences, arts and language.
Amount: An estimated $4.8 million from 1992 through 1997.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
TIMS 95: School University Partnerships for Improvement of Math Teaching & Learning. This project aims to establish university-school partnerships for improving math instruction using standards-based curricula and developing resource materials.
Amount: An estimated $3 million from 1996 through 1999.
UIC-ALL Learn Mathematics. This project aims to improve math understanding and classroom pedagogy of middle-school teachers in Chicago public schools, grades 5-8.
Amount: An estimated $1.8 million from 1995 through 1998.
College Preparatory Mathematics Project. For continued teacher training at the University of Illinois at Chicago and for starting teacher training at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and DePaul University.
Amount: An estimated $2.4 million from 1993 through 1997.
Materials World Modules. A series of science and technology kits designed to reinforce the existing math and science curriculum in high schools.
Amount: An estimated $1.8 million from 1994 through 1997.
The Co Vis Testbed. This project focuses on project-enhanced science learning, collaboration and scientific visualization as a way to reconstruct science education.
Amount: An estimated $3.5 million from 1994 through 1997.
ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
Partial support for a five-year effort by the Department of Energy national laboratories to advance science education in grades K-8.
Amount: An estimated $3.7 million from 1993 through 1998.
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Chicago Alliance for Minority Participation (CHAMP). A consortium of six Chicago area universities supported by local businesses, national laboratories and local school districts. The mission is to increase the number of minority students earning science, math or engineering bachelor’s degrees and to increase the number of minority students entering graduate school.
Amount: An estimated $3.3 million from 1993 through 1998.
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Life Underground: Foundations of the Biosphere. This exhibit displays the underground ecosystems and the importance of soil.
Amount: An estimated $1.6 million from 1996 through 1999.