Meeting the Unique Needs of Urban and Rural Science Learners
Urban and rural environments are unique in many ways. It is important that teachers, administrators, and parents are collaboratively involved in helping students achieve their fullest potential in science. This strand will provide the participant with programs and teaching strategies that have demonstrated increased academic achievement, foster interest and participation in science, and employ exemplary science programs in urban and rural areas.

Goals
To provide workshops and presentations focusing on:
• Identifying exemplary science programs and strategies that have been successful in urban and/or rural environments (e.g., student achievement, interest, and involvement in the sciences)
• Empowering teachers and students in urban and/or rural areas to be successful in science
• Involving parents in their child’s education
• Increasing science involvement of students in underrepresented and underserved groups


Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on the extent that they:
• Align with one or more strand goals
• Align with national science education standards (NSES and Benchmarks)
• Are based on current and available research and issues in science.
• Involve participants through activities and/or discussion
• Use best practices in urban and/or rural science education