You know that sparkle in a kid's eyes when she really "gets" what you're teaching? Or the energy in your classroom when your students are excited about what they're learning?

No matter what culture or background your students are from, the world of science can open doors to exciting, rewarding careers in medicine or biomedical research. In fact, these careers need increased representation from traditionally underserved minority groups.

As an elementary or middle school teacher, you reach kids at a critical time in their development. You can help them experience the joy of science, and show them that they can make a difference in the world in ways they'd never imagined!

BOOST can give you valuable new tools you can use to improve the science performance and interests of all of your students - particularly under-represented minorities and underserved students who are greatly needed in the medical and scientific professions.

Currently, BOOST offers these programs for selected fifth and sixth grade teachers at Rogers-Herr Middle School, Githens Middle School, Brogden Middle School, Lakewood, E.K. Powe, George Watts Montessori, and Forest View Elementary Schools within the Durham Public Schools:

• Summer Science Immersion
  An intensive science education workshop for teachers, along with select students and parents
  June 16-20

• Quarterly Science Summit
  An ongoing teacher training series in inquiry-based learning

• Classroom support for implementing inquiry-based science learning
  Ongoing support to help teachers excite students about science

• Science Scope
  A semi-annual forum on a headline topic in biomedical science

• Middle School Simulation
  A one-week "dry run" gives fifth graders a taste of middle school before they get there

All BOOST programs support and enhance the science curriculum of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the principles of the National Science Education Standards and National Science Teachers Association. During this first year of BOOST, Teacher Professional Development activities focus on the concept of Ecosystems, a principal theme in both the fifth and sixth grade North Carolina science curriculum.