Advance Discovery and Understanding

Integration of research and education is one of "three core strategies that guide [NSF] in establishing priorities, identifying opportunities, and designing new programs and activities.... Effective integration of research and education at all levels infuses learning with the excitement of discovery and assures that the findings and methods of research are quickly and effectively communicated in a broader context and to a larger audience".

Types of Activities 

1. Integrate research activities into the teaching of science, math and engineering at all educational levels (e.g., K-12, undergraduate science majors, non-science majors, and graduate students).
2. Include students (e.g., K-12, undergraduate science majors, non-science majors, and /or graduate students) as participants in the proposed activities as appropriate.
3. Participate in the recruitment, training, and/or professional development of K-12 science and math teachers.
4. Develop research-based educational materials or contribute to databases useful in teaching (e.g., K-16 digital library).
5. Partner with researchers and educators to develop effective means of incorporating research into learning and education.
6. Encourage student participation at meetings and activities of professional societies.
7. Establish special mentoring programs for high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and technicians conducting research.
8. Involve graduate and post-doctoral researchers in undergraduate teaching activities.
9. Develop, adopt, adapt or disseminate effective models and pedagogic approaches to science, mathematics and engineering teaching.

Exemplar Programs at Texas A&M University

Partnership for Environmental Education and Rural Health

Blinn College Outreach to Educators

Texas Regional Ocean Science Bowl

Information Technology in Science

Math and Science Scholars Program

Center for Math and Science Education

Nuclear Engineering Teaching Resources

Educational Outreach & Women's Programs

Wildlife and Fisheries Science Resources for Teachers