“Things could not be better - Students began a long term study on soil conditions and plants today - Jessica was instrumental in the design and implementation of the lab and 2003-2004 ESI GK-12 will be working with the students one on one to collect data over a 4 to 6 weeks period. We will then transfer the plants to 8th grade where chemical analysis of the soil will take place and students will determine what should be added to promote growth of the plants - We look forward to showing picture of the students at work on the 11th.”

“We (Johnathan Bumgarner, Michele Mann, and myself) plugged GK-12 in our presentation on "Making Middle School Science Real". Johnathan did a great job representing the program and we had many teachers interested. Thank you again for all your support.”

“I’ve noticed a very significant increase in my students being excited about school since the GK-12 Program started in my classroom, especially with the low socio-economic status students.”

“For the first time, my 5th grade students are asking about going to college.”

“Scores for my classes on the benchmark science questions were 65-69, while the AISD average was 45-50. These high scores include my inclusion class.”

“The divide and conquer strategy of having more skilled people to work with the students has worked well. Jessica brings to this strategy both content knowledge and an ability to relate to students”

“Working with someone else is a big help. Especially someone like the fellows to bounce ideas off of and who have the university’s resources and ideas at their disposal.”

“The GK-12 Fellow and the Outreach Lecture Series speakers have significantly increased my students’ awareness of what a scientist does and raised my students’ comfort level with the idea of learning and doing science. This applies particularly to students who didn’t think that college was something in their future.”

“During Kealing’s school fair for prospective students and parents the parents often ask what connections Kealing has with the university and the GK-12 Program is the prominent answer.”

“The divide and conquer strategy is very effective. It is especially noticeable during the field projects at the creek near my school’s campus. It’s more than twice as effective to have the fellow there. In addition, for later visits to the creek, knowledge from the first visit with the fellow is a significant help.”

“The teachers and staff at Andrews Elementary School wish to thank you again for the great workshop you conducted for us. You were fun and informative and your unselfish act should help us raise our student’s test scores on the next science TAKS test.”

“This project is going far better than I could have possibly anticipated - the lessons that Jessica and Veronica have written have worked beautifully in the lab - the students love it! At a time when teachers have been dealing with spring fever among students – mine come in and can’t wait to get into the computer lab and start to work.”

“I can say that in my experience GK-12 has been the most valuable outreach to teachers that UT has ever sponsored.”

“I am looking forward to this Saturday. I can’t wait to learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of insects.”

“I strongly encourage your teachers to apply officially to the program so they can participate fully with a graduate student assigned to their classrooms. I also encourage them to participate in any lectures, workshops or field trips offered for next year. Every one I have been involved with has had direct application to my teaching.” [Written to Mary Miller, UT Special Project Office]

“Saturday’s workshop was terrific and I would like to be involved in more of those.” [In reference to the Texas insect workshop]

“We have a very high interest level this year – word has spread. The poster display has also had an impact on students. Jennifer is wonderful – she is a pleasure to work with and is instrumental in helping us align our curriculum. Things are off to a great start!”

“I had a great day! You guys were great! I would love to attend more of these.” [In reference to the Discovering Sedimentary Environments Workshop]

“I just want to thank you for doing this. The workshop lessons were informative, organized, and very well presented. The field trip was outstanding. I enjoy the samples I was able to collect, especially the ammonite. Thank you very much for all your hard work supporting us in the classroom.” [In reference to the Discovering Sedimentary Environments Workshop]

“Beth and I have spent the school year co-teaching and developing a set of classroom lessons that use a consistent animal model through the year to enable middle and high school students to make connections across the curriculum. We will present our work at the 2005 Convention for the Advancement of Science Teachers and the 2006 National Science Teachers Association convention. This will be the first time I have presented at either convention and know that it is my involvement in the GK-12 program that encouraged me to do so. In addition to the benefits I received, my students have received additional support and instruction that they would not have without GK-12.”