"A Black Hills Science Teaching Project To Prepare K-8 Teachers For The New Millennium" is a Local Systemic Change initiative that is working to improve all K-8 teacher's abilities to implement high-quality standard-based science teaching.
The BLAHST project, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes the use of activity-based classroom materials kits in elementary schools and is committed to providing professional development in science content and science pedagogy to all teachers of grades K-8 in the eight BLAHST school districts. A strong emphasis on science content has been established by BHSU and SDSM&T scientists who are integrated at all levels throughout the project.
Professional development activities focused on science content, science processes, science pedagogy, national curriculum implementation assessment, equity, etc., will be delivered during week-long summer workshops as well as day-long academic year workshops, seminars, and courses. Project staff, scientists, national curriculum consultants, and selected lead teachers will conduct professional development activities. Each participating teacher will receive a minimum of 100 hours of professional development over the 5 years of the project.