University of Kansas Center for Science Education


Objectives of the Center and Links to Ongoing Projects




The University of Kansas Center for Science Education was established in Fall 2000 in response to a recommendation from the Task Force on Science Education appointed by Chancellor Robert Hemenway. The Center is an interdisciplinary collaborative venture intended to improve science education at KU and throughout the state of Kansas, and contribute to scholarship in science education on a national and international level. Center activities involve scientists, science educators and education specialists from many units on the Lawrence campus, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Engineering, the School of Pharmacy, and the Center for Research on Learning. You may buy book reports that focus on different themes and provide the detailed analysis on every topic. The specific objectives of the center are to:
  1. Advocate for recommendations in the Science Education Task Force Report

        View the KU Science Education Task Force Report

  2. Extend existing collaborations with community colleges, school districts and efforts in informal science education

  3. Coordinate efforts for science and science education curriculum reform

  4. Develop new sources of support for science education research


Contact Center Staff




Joseph A. Heppert, Director
Steven B. Case, Grant Specialist



Links to Related Documents




Report of the KU Task Force on Science Education Version in PDF Format Task Force Report Appendices in PDF Format

National Academy Report on Educating Science, Mathematics and Technology Teachers

Glenn Commission Report on Mathematics and Science Teaching in the 21st Century

The National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century has issued its report on improving the quality of science and math teaching nationwide. The report, chaired by former Senator and Astronaut John Glenn identified three goals for improving mathematics and science education in the United States:
  1. Establishing an ongoing system to improve the quality of mathematics and science teaching in grades K-12.
  2. Increasing the number of mathematics and science teachers and improve the quality of their preparation.
  3. Improving the working environment and make the teaching profession more attractive for K-12 mathematics and science teachers.
The text of the report is available at http://www.ed.gov/americacounts/glenn . While the report recognizes the need for increased compensation for mathematics and science teachers, it does not recommend using federal dollars to supplement teacher salaries.
TIMMS Report on the Performance of 8th Grade students on an International Mathematics and Science Assessment

Employment Opportunities


Grant Specialist, half time position