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Programs & Projects

The Center for Science and Mathematics Education is a diverse and growing group of faculty and staff that collaborate to bring quality programs that serve the student and faculty population at the University of Utah College of Science and beyond.

Active CSME Programs and Projects (2021):

Undergraduate Student Success

  • Being Human in STEM, a collaboration with Claudia De Grandi in Physics & Astronomy, is a course that creates a space for dialogue between STEM students and STEM faculty to investigate together the themes of diversity and climate within STEM.
  • CSME Exchange brown-bag seminars provide an informal setting for math and science faculty discussions about current issues in undergraduate education.
  • Faculty Associates & Scholars serve as scholar-leaders to provide expertise and guidance for CSME’s work; a faculty cluster in math and science education research is being built.
  • Hugo Rossi Lectures explore contemporary issues in K-16 math and science education.
  • Learning Assistant (LA) Program places undergraduate LAs in College of Science classrooms to build interactive, collaborative classroom environments.

K-12 Student Experiences

Previous Projects

As a dynamic center, the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME) focus areas have shifted over time. Read below for an overview of CSME’s previous projects, programs, and initiatives. Contact us for additional information.

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    • Broader Impacts Consulting has been offered to faculty members who would like assistance designing broader impacts activities for NSF grants. This opportunity is still available on a limited basis; contact us for additional information.
    • College of Science Internship Program connects U of U undergraduate students with internship opportunities. This program was developed by the CSME and moved to the College of Science Dean’s Office in July, 2021.
    • MMAISE (Math Materials Access Improvement for 7th and 8th Grade) created mathematics text consistent with the Utah Core Curriculum and available in multiple platforms.
    • Master of Science for Secondary School Teachers – Math (MSSST-Math) is a masters degree program that was housed in the CSME from 2009-2015. MSSST-Math moved to the Department of Mathematics, although MSSST-Science remains at the CSME.
    • Math for America Utah (MfA) was housed at CSME from 2010-2015. MfA’s primary mission is the creation and support of mathematics teacher leaders. MfA moved to the Department of Mathematics in 2015.
    • Public Engagement initiatives, including: faith-based outreach where students worked with local faith communities to create science education materials (2012-2013); the “Hidden Worlds of Science” course offered in collaboration with the Osher Institute and College of Science faculty (2012-2014); the Initiative to Bring Science Programs to the Incarcerated (which moved to the School of Biological Sciences in 2015); Science Filmmaking workshops (2012-2014); Science Fridays to bring K-12 students to campus to engage with chemistry projects (2013); Sports ‘n Science initiative to use sports to generate interest in science among K-12 students (2011-2015); STEM for U Week to bring faculty members to local K-12 schools (2014).
    • REFUGES bridge program, which served incoming university minority, women, and refugee students from 2014-2019.
    • Remote Instruction Workshop Series, launched in Summer 2020, provides resources and training for College of Science faculty and instructors.
    • Research Experiences for Undergraduates are run by several different departments on campus; CSME facilitates collaboration between programs, including joint student activities and program evaluation.
    • SEEd Swap, which provided professional learning support to 6-8th grade teachers to successfully implement Utah’s new Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) standards.
    • STEM Education Center Collaboration. In 2012, CSME hosted a National Conference for Centers of Science and Mathematics Education. The conference brought together representatives from Centers at thirteen different universities. In recent years, APLU/SMTI has developed a national STEM Education Center network.
    • STEM Mentors were undergraduate students who received science communication training and mentoring while they partnered with K-12 teachers.
    • Teacher Research Fellows participated in a workshop and a four-week lab or field experience working alongside a university faculty member.
    • TICE (Technology Intensive Concurrent Enrollment) provided online materials, available through UEN, for entry-level math coursework.
    • Undergraduate Curriculum Development projects spearheaded by CSME include the creation of new inter-cross-disciplinary courses and a science-focused BlockU program
    • U-S2TEM, offered in partnership with the Global Change & Sustainability Center, provided undergraduates with scholarships, mentoring, and research opportunities.
    • WEST (Water, the Environment, Science, and Teaching) and TGLL (Think Globally, Learn Locally) were NSF-funded programs that connected science graduate students with K-12 classrooms. The programs have evolved into STEM Mentors.
    • Workshop on Earth Science from Navajo and Western Perspectives provided an intensive, field-based experience for teachers.
    • Collaborative Around Research Experiences for Teachers (CARET) is a national collaboration contributing to the body of knowledge around research experiences for teachers.
    • Elementary STEM endorsement (U-BEES) is now managed by the Urban Institute for Teacher Education. Previously, CSME managed this along with the Teacher Leadership Cohort, a group of teachers who completed U-BEES and participated in a year-long professional development opportunity to enhance leadership skills.