Mission Statement

The mission of the Project INSTAR Science Teacher Institute is to bridge the information gap between research and K‑12 education by providing stimulating and meaningful Earth Systems Science research experiences and state-of-the-art technology to teachers. This authentic research experience will increase teachers’ knowledge and excitement of science that will ultimately help stimulate the same kind of excitement in their students.

Project INSTAR Goals

• Develop a stronger science teaching force in order to improve the knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and implementation of Earth Systems Science, specifically marine science.
• Improve critical thinking skills in science and technology.
• Stimulate the "joy of science' and science inquiry by providing meaningful and useful geoscience research experiences and technology training sessions.
• Develop long‑term partnerships between K‑ 12 teachers and students, university scientists, local government agencies, businesses, industries, and the community in an effort to keep K‑12 education abreast of science and technology advances.