UAMS Faculty Engage K-12 Teachers and Students Teaching Health Science in Schools Transcends Campus Boundaries

K-12 school teachers and children will honor the enablers of the PIHS and PIBHS programs for improving health science education in schools. These two successful programs have received renewal federal funding for operations through 2006. To date, $3 million has been invested in health science education for K-12 schools through UAMS.

WHO: E. Robert "Bob" Burns, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy, UAMS College of Medicine, and Director, Partners in Health Science (PIHS). This innovative K-12 educational program based at UAMS is considered a model for the nation. Sidney A. McNairy, Jr., Ph.D., D. Sc., Director of the Division of Research Infrastructure, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health (NIH) – as guest speaker. Many science teachers from participating schools and their students U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, second congressional district of Arkansas

WHAT: The PIHS program and a related educational program – Partners in Behavioral Health Science (PIBHS) – will celebrate their success in teaching health science at a recognition ceremony. Dr. McNairy's talk will focus on the national success of these programs in K-12 schools.

WHERE: UAMS campus, Education Building III, Room G-225

WHEN: Friday, April 6^th, 4:00 p.m.

WHY: School principals and most parents of school-age children recognize the difficulties inherent in recruiting and retaining qualified science teachers – teaching salaries aren't comparable to equivalent job opportunities for science-savvy professionals. Because of high cost, science equipment and supplies are often lacking in many schools and are practically non-existent in poorer school districts; which further discourages young science teachers from entering the field.

HOW: The PIHS and PIBHS educational programs improve science education by teaching the teachers and their students. UAMS faculty scientists train selected science teachers in summer "mini-courses" with materials designed for sharing with their students during the school year. Students participate in science lessons via an interactive video network and in field trips, special science lectures, and internships.

NOTE: During the ceremony, all enablers of the PIHS and PIBHS programs will receive a token of appreciation from students — a gold-foil-wrapped "T" (to signify "teaching") made of chocolate. It will be presented as a symbol of their sweet success in health science education.

CONTACT:
Mike Mottler, Director, University Relations
501-686-6270 (Office)
501-686-5067 (Fax)
mottlermikeh@uams.edu (e-mail)

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01/22/02