Professional Resources in Science and Mathematics (PRISM)

PRISM serves the state as a New Jersey STEM Professional Development Provider supporting school districts by improving the way the sciences and mathematics are taught. PRISM scientists, educators and classroom teachers are content-area specialists in curriculum, professional development and pedagogy. PRISM programs emphasize inquiry-based and constructivist teaching strategies, deep content knowledge development, effective curriculum planning, and instructional technology to improve learning outcomes in science and mathematics.

PRISM staff members work closely with administrators in diverse districts. The goal is the design of professional development programs that are strong in content and standards-based teaching.

Services

Exemplary curricula endorsed by the NSF
Summer institutes that model best practices
Constructivist lesson design
Inquiry-based and problem-solving approaches
Planning programs to aid implementation
Videoconference programs with scientists
School team development
School year in-service programs
Website support and distance learning

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Center for Science Teaching and Learning is dedicated to teaching teachers, equipped with programs for experiential learning and video-chat connections for distance learning.

News

Montclair State University Partners with Math for America to Launch New Jersey STEM Innovation FellowshipOne-year fellowship for N.J. teachers will help to improve elementary STEM education. Teachers can learn more and submit applications online at www.innovateSTEMnj.org.Friday February 22, 2019
Making Rainforest Connections To Classrooms Around The WorldDr. Jacalyn Giacalone Willis, founding director of Professional Resources in Science and Mathematics (PRISM), is an international innovator – and media star – featured in programs produced by the likes of Animal Planet and the Smithsonian Channel.Monday July 9, 2018
Technology connects a laboratory island of Panama with the academy of the worldThe island, which is part of the Barro Colorado National Monument, was previously an elevation of 171 meters, but it lost almost 30 meters when the waters of the Chagres River were dammed and the artificial lake Gatún was formed, feeding the interoceanic waterway.Friday March 2, 2018
PRISM Rainforest Connection and Ocelot Conservation Project Work to Save Big Cats in PanamaDr. Jackie Giacalone Willis (PRISM) and her husband Greg Willis, place 26+ spy cameras on one of the island's paths to get shots of wild animals in the depths of a tropical forest.Tuesday February 27, 2018

Events

Teacher Resources

The Rainforest Connection Panama Topics and Resources

Our Partners in Science Education

Sterling Hill Mining Museum The Lemur Conservation Chan Chich Lodge Belize Western Alliance For Nature