Release Date: Jul 16, 2009 1:36 PM  

---Technology-driven science courses are on the way---

(Dover, DE.)  Delaware's Department of Education has been awarded a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) K-12 competitive grant totaling $910,486.00.  Entitled DI-NAMIC, which stands for "Delaware extends Its use of NASA Materials In high school Curricula", this grant will be used to develop three standards-based courses for high school science courses in grades 9 and 12 statewide to include earth science, astrobiology, and environmental science.

"These courses will become part of an already existing standards-based curriculum that have been selected or developed by a team of teachers and university professors who have worked with the state for the past ten years," said Kelli Martin, Education Associate for K-12 Science at the Delaware Department of Education.  "These courses have been selected because we have not developed them yet and because their content is very closely tied to NASA's mission and educational objectives."  Added Martin, "With this incredible support from NASA, we can now accelerate our work on these courses and bring them to the classroom to support students." 

• The 9^th grade earth science course will focus on the origin of our solar system and then delve into energy transfer on Earth in plate tectonics.
• The 12^th grade astrobiology course will connect the humanities to answer one of mankind's deepest questions "Are we alone in the universe?"  
• The 12^th grade environmental science will continue the study of biology, chemistry and physics to engage students in contemporary issues.

The courses will combine science, mathematics, technology, and engineering principles and knowledge.  It will incorporate technology-driven NASA materials, such as satellite or probe imagery and research-based state-of-the-art understandings into high school courses.

"It is expected that these courses will stimulate student thinking and problem-solving as well as prepare students with the knowledge needed to innovatively think about the future of the Earth," said Martin.  "This is one application of STEM learning, learning that utilizes math and science knowledge and processes through technology to solve problems.  STEM learning will strengthen each student's ability to innovatively develop new ideas and solve problems.  For our state, it is hoped that, through innovation, we will increase our economic wealth", said Kelli Martin.

Martin is the principal investigator of the grant.  Harry Shipman, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware will serve as the primary team member.  

For more information about this grant, contact Kelli Martin at the Delaware Department of Education at 302-857-3352, or kmartin@doe.k12.de.us.

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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.	Contact Info. Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us
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