Dr. Ann Holmes, Assistant Professor in Physics, Geology and Astronomy,
will be joined by Dr. Jonathan Mies, UC Foundation Associate Professor,
in presenting "Curriculum Development and Content-Area Workshop for
Middle School Teachers of Earth Science in Southeastern Tennessee," a
ten-day workshop during Summer 2004.

The UTC faculty members have received $45,897 for this presentation from
the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).

Drs. Holmes and Mies became concerned about teachers' preparedness when
the Earth Science curriculum was shifted from 8th grade to 6th grade in
Tennessee schools in 2002.  To address the need for professional
development, Drs. Holmes and Mies will lead lectures, two day-long field
trips, hands-on activities, and experimental learning. The program will
introduce teachers to geology in the context of the southeastern U.S.,
modeling strategies that teachers can use to make the subject material
relevant to their students' surroundings.

Drs. Holmes and Mies are specifically reaching out to middle school
teachers from regional schools with poor science test scores.

Congratulations to Drs. Holmes and Mies! Your efforts to improve Earth
Science education in the middle grades will address a significant
community need.