Evolution of a partnership to improve K-16 science education

This article grew out of a presentation at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Pacific Division in Irvine, California in June 2001. The symposium "Sharing Science: Successful Scientist Expert-Teacher Practitioner Interactions" was organized by Drs. Nancy J. Pelaez and Barbara L. Gonzalez of California State University at Fullerton. Goodman's presentation was entitled "The Team Approach to Outreach Activities for K-12 Teachers in a Large, Rural State." This personal view report describes the development and evolution of educational outreach programs at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine (USDSM) and the support provided by the administration. The number and strength of the programs at USDSM have grown in direct proportion to the commitment that the institution has been willing to make to faculty members with interests in science education. Currently, USDSM has three Basic Science faculty members who spend significant effort working with K-12 students and teachers and who have been called upon nationally as consultants and reviewers for similar programs.