The Integrated Science Teaching Enhancement Partnership (InSTEP) is a collaboration between Florida Tech and Brevard Public Schools (Florida). The program fosters student interest in science while boosting teacher confidence in science content and inquiry-based instruction. Each year, eight graduate students from Florida Tech’s science departments (Biology, Chemistry, Marine and Environmental Systems, and Physics) are matched with eight Brevard County high school science teachers to design and pilot a series of lesson plans and activities linking core content areas—Earth science, biology, chemistry and physics.

Using “Ocean Discovery” as a common theme, the program takes advantage of Florida’s extensive coastal resources and student awareness of local ocean-related issues. Lesson plans are based on state and national curriculum standards and include demonstrations and inquiry-based activities that rely heavily on experimentation and problem solving.

In addition to assisting with classroom instruction and serving as content resources for teachers, Graduate Teaching Fellows also coordinate bi-monthly seminars by nationally recognized scientists and serve as co-advisors for Ocean Science Bowl teams that participate in a district-wide competition held each spring.

Contact Information

Florida Tech InSTEP Program
Life Sciences Building Rm 146
Florida Institute of Technology
150 W. University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901
321.674.8195
instep@fit.edu

Last Updated: June 10, 2010