Tuskegee University News May 23, 2016 Tuskegee University awarded nearly $500,000 to improve STEM education in Alabama schools Macon County middle school students and teachers will soon take their knowledge to new heights with help from Tuskegee University. An exciting project led by Tuskegee will introduce an innovative approach to teaching and learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in area schools. Funded with a $482,107 grant from the National Science Foundation, the "Fly High Your Math and Science Skills" project will use a flight simulator as an active teaching and learning tool for students to strengthen their mathematics and science concepts. Also, professional development for teachers and summer camps for students will be conducted with hands-on activities to help them experience and understand the importance of math and science in the real world. Dr. Chadia Affane Aji, professor of mathematics, is the Principal Investigator and Dr. Javed Khan, head of the Aerospace Science Engineering Department, is the Co-Principal Investigator. The project will start September 1 and the grant period ends August 31, 2019. "The challenges of learning mathematics and science in schools continues to be a major concern for students who pursue STEM careers," Aji said. "Exposure of middle school students to this learning environment at Tuskegee University will enhance learning, excite interest, and motivate our target audience." Aji and Khan believe the middle school students will also benefit from the project by improving their understanding of math and science concepts, communication skills, and teamwork during the summer camps. Their teachers will also be provided support to implement the teaching methods in their classrooms so even more students can benefit from the project. Additionally, some undergraduate students from Tuskegee University will be supported so they may assist the project team and mentor middle school students. "These undergraduate students will gain valuable service learning experience," Aji said. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 150 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.