1. To provide research-based, education-related, communication-building experiences and knowledge for middle level mathematics and science teachers.
2. To foster the relationship between STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines through the development of innovative learning communities.
3. To develop new contexts, connections, and experiences for thinking about teaching STEM subject matter in the middle school environment, focusing on reaching diverse learners and conquering classic science and math misconceptions (e.g., cause of the moon's phases; force impetus notion; how sound waves travel; why invert and multiply, etc.)
4. To provide professional development, summer research experiences, and enhanced STEM content knowledge for practicing teachers.
5. To create environments that support the advancement of STEM understanding for all learners and create enhanced learning experiences for middle level students.
6. To foster increased collaboration between statewide Texas school districts, and TTU STEM departments and the College of Education.
7. To research and evaluate how experimental, situated learning via (MS)² influences participants' understandings, communication, and implementation of their own instruction, assessment, and classroom research.
8. To provide a unique experience of how STEM disciplines are applied outside academia (e.g., industry, national research laboratories, etc.)
9. To utilize technological tools such as Facebook and Second Life (educational and social utilities that connect people at a distance) for the purpose of facilitating long distance collaborative learning environments and support networks among all the (MS)² participants. These cognitive communities are the (MS)² Learning Circles.
10. To create professional teacher leaders that will return to their respective schools and begin new professional learning communities.

Benefits for Teachers

1. Continue teaching at your home institute while earning a master's degree in multidisciplinary science from Texas Tech University in three years with TUITON and some FEES PAID!
2. Distance education courses are offered during the long semesters (fall and spring). Take part in three-week summer courses at Texas Tech (Lubbock), HOUSING PROVIDED!
3. Cohort participants will apply, by submission of a research proposal, for additional funding to participate in unique research opportunities.
4. Apply for additional funding, by submitting a research proposal, to participate in unique research opportunities.