ISMuL

ISMuL (Integrated Science Multi-use Laboratory) is part of the University of Puerto Rico’s Resource Center for Science and Engineering. Located at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, the project, which has been called innovative, multi-level, multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary, was designed to promote the advancement of education in science, math and technology using a variety of strategies and approaches. The program is financed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium (PRSGC). While ISMul’s main focus is on the classroom teacher as the cornerstone of any systemic change at the university and at pre-university levels, ISMuL's educational model postulates that the authentic Learning Community consists of students, teachers, university faculty and the external community. Therefore, an essential component of this initiative is to provide opportunities to foster and nurture meaningful interaction and networking between these groups.

Mission

ISMuL aims to stimulate more students to follow careers in science, engineering, mathematics, and other related fields by enhancing the quality of Science and Mathematics education. It encourages, devises, disseminates and supports the development of innovative teaching and learning strategies.

Objectives

*To provide training, continuing education, resources and research opportunities to Science and Mathematics (S&M) teachers at the 7 to 12 school levels, and at the university level;
*To promote the integration of fundamental concepts in the areas of S&M, in a relevant context;
*To serve as an experimental resource center to attract faculty, teachers and students to joint ventures in Science education;
*To provide a setting where educators and students can interact, network and cooperate in the development of new strategies for the teaching and learning of S&M;
*To promote a better understanding of the idiosyncrasies and cultural aspects that affect students' interest in S&M and their potential to follow careers in Engineering, Science and Mathematics;
*To serve as a model for the Science classroom of the future and an ideal environment for the incorporation of technology and hands-on experience in the educational process;
*To help nurture the next generation of S&M teachers.

Activities and Programs

ISMuL’s activities and programs are conducted in a collegial and informal atmosphere that networks faculty and students. Its continuing education activities for teachers target the content standards at grades 7 to 12. These activities are developed and hosted by teams of experts in several fields to guarantee an integrated context.

Programs and activities

Programs held at ISMuL include Interactive seminars lasting from 4 to 45 hours, intersdisciplinary and multi-level discussion groups, financing and mentorship for mini-proposals, loan of ISMuL facilities, undergraduate research grants, technical and scientific support and consulting, and a Teacher Liaison Program.

External links

* http://upra.edu/ismul/ ,
* http://www.prsgc.upr.edu/ ,
* http://www.prsgc.upr.edu/d2/affiliate_uprarecibo.html ,
* http://www.upra.edu ,
* http://upra.edu/cic/