Project Number: 6202-32000-024-32
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Sep 29, 2004
End Date: Sep 28, 2009

Objective:
This project serves to closely link scientists within the ARS Southern Plains Area with the Future Scientists Program, a cooperative effort between ARS and Texas A&M University. The program will utilize ARS scientists and other resources to link with public schools through science teachers. The effort will increase student engagement in and enthusiasm for continuing their studies in science, and with the goal of stimulating student interest in careers in agriculture and agricultural research.

Approach:
All aspects of the Program will be coordinated with cooperators at Texas A&M University, and will be closely linked to public school districts. Southern Plains Area scientists will work directly with teachers, including hosting/training teachers within ARS facilities. Focus will be on individual, student-led projects involving the corn ear worm life cycle, and also on other projects of interest to teachers and students that are related to ongoing research with the Southern Plains Area. Work will also focus on development of appropriate Web sites, developed cooperatively with Texas A&M University cooperators and with teachers, that will be available to other interested persons and which thus will magnify the impact of the project.