For three weeks this summer, about 45 Athens area high school students will have a unique opportunity to learn more about mathematics and science, and possible careers in those fields, during a Summer Academy hosted by the department of mathematics and science education.

The free, three-week program in the College of Education involves sessions from 8:30 a.m. to noon from July 6-24, and is open for college-bound high school juniors and seniors in Athens and throughout Northeast Georgia.

“Students will engage in topics that they would not usually encounter in high school, such as electron microscopy, veterinary science and the mathematics of body mechanics,” said Cory Buxton, an associate professor in the department of elementary and social studies education. “They will have access to tools, technologies and instructors usually reserved for university students. They will gain valuable career information that should expand their understanding of the range of available careers involving mathematics and science.”

Cory Buxton is an associate professor in the department of elementary and social studies education.

Students will also create museum-style exhibits on science and mathematics topics and share these projects with younger children in sites around the Athens community.

Buxton and two of his College of Education colleagues, Joe Long and Doug Griffin from the department of mathematics and science education, have directed planning of the academy. Other faculty from both the COE and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences will be involved in working with the students.

The program, funded by a state Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative grant, is one of dozens of efforts by UGA to promote interest, enthusiasm and engagement in the fields of science and mathematics as well as teaching in those fields.

Georgia faces a critical shortage of certified teachers in mathematics and science. In 2008, 14.3 percent of all Georgia math teachers were not fully certified, according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Another 18.6 percent of physical science teachers and 16.2 percent of life sciences teachers lacked full certification, the commission said.

“Middle school and high school mathematics and science are projected to be critical need teaching areas for the foreseeable future,” said Buxton.

For college-bound high school students, a career in teaching science and math in public schools will soon become even more enticing. The state recently approved a pay boost for math and science teachers beginning in the 2010 school year.

The measure allows new secondary school teachers with proper math or science certification to start at the salary of a fifth year teacher. That's an increase of about $4,561, to $37,985 a year, under the state salary schedule.

The Summer Academy will be held mainly in Aderhold Hall on the UGA campus, but will also include field trips and project presentations on other parts of campus. Those interested in participating should contact Joe Long at drlong@uga.edu to register for this free program.

© 2006 University of Georgia