Distributed computing network for science and math education in rural New Mexico

摘要

This paper describes the TOPS (Teacher Opportunities to Promote Science) and TOPS Mentor programs, which focus on telecommunications and science, math, and technology content. The backbone of these programs is GeoNet, an electronic bulletin board system set up and maintained at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The TOPS experience exposes teachers to science and math in the context of a real problem of genuine scientific interest, increases their knowledge of science and math, enhances their teaching skills, provides activities for their students, and increases student and teacher abilities to communicate with other teachers and scientists. Their students, in turn, learn to approach scientific problems with enthusiasm and confidence. They perceive the beauty and joy of scientific endeavor and develop self-assurance, persistence, and enthusiasm.