MAST Institute

The Mathematics and Science Teaching (MAST) Institute, established in 1987, provides leadership and coordination for projects and programs to improve mathematics and science education. The mission of the MAST Institute is to lead and advocate for initiatives that promote and improve teaching, learning, diversity, and equity in STEM education. The Institute strives to put research into practice by advocating for policy, facilitating education outreach initiatives,programming, and developing the expertise of educators in STEM. The MAST Institute serves as both an intellectual and logistical hub to support these initiatives and collaborates with the STEM Inclusive Excellence Collective. 

• Initiatives for Improving Pre-Collegiate Education and Experiences in STEM 
  • Frontiers of Science (FSI)

  Since 1959, the Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI), a six-week summer residential program, has been dedicated to boosting STEM aspirations and achievement of emerging high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. FSI immerses students in STEM topics via engaging courses, outdoor education, industrial visitations, seminars by industry and academic professionals, and mentored research. 

  Frontiers of Science 

  • Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair (LPSEF) 

  Since 1970, the Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair (LPSEF) has hosted Weld, Larimer, and Jackson counties 5th-12th grade students each February. Engineers, scientists, educators, and college students devote their time to judge student projects and determine those that qualify for state-level competition. 

  LPSEF

• Initiatives for Improving Undergraduate and Graduate Education

  Learning Through Engaging and Authentic Practices (LEAP) 

  Since 2015, the Learning through Engaging and Authentic Practices (LEAP) program has supported students who identify as first-generation, low income, and students of colorthrive in college.The year-long program provides academic support and guidance for students majoring in biology or chemistry with a health sciences emphasis who plan toapply to professional schools. 

  LEAP  

  STEMspire at UNC: Empowering Students to Lead Through Research 

  STEMspire at UNC is a paid five-week summer research experience for PEERs. STEMspire is collaborating with the  Rocky Mountain Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation(LSAMP) Program,Office of Undergraduate Research, and the STEM-IEC. 

  STEMspire 

  Learning Assistant (LA) Program 

  LAs are undergraduate students who serve as peer instructors in the classroom to support student learning, primarily via facilitating group work and classroom community.  LAs attend class meetings, meet weekly with the course instructor, and learn about the science of teaching. It's a great way for Bears to support Bears. The LA Program is collaborating with MAST and STEM-IEC. 

  Learn More 

• Research

  The MAST Instituteseeks toincrease the body of knowledge in STEM education through research and practice. Through collaboration with UNC researchers, K-12 stakeholders, and community partners, part of our mission is to conduct and disseminate research. To help achieve this goal, the MAST Institute has collaborated with multiple campus partners to acquire federal funding programs and continues to develop and apply for additional funding.

Inititatives for Improving Undergraduate and Graduate Education

 

Learning Assistant Program 

LAs are undergraduate students who serve as peer instructors in the classroom to support student learning, primarily via facilitating group work and classroom community.  LAs attend class meetings, meet weekly with the course instructor, and learn about the science of teaching. It's a great way for Bears to support Bears.Learn More

Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation (RM AMP) 

The RM AMP at UNC is collaborating with the Office of Undergraduate Research and the STEM-IEC to offer a paid five-week summer research experience for PEERS. Learn More

 

MAST Institute Vision & Mission Statements

Vision

The vision of the MAST Institute is to lead efforts to transform teaching and learning in science and mathematics education and to promote diversity and equity.  

Mission

The mission of the MAST Institute is to be a leader of and advocate for initiatives to promote and improve teaching, learning, diversity, and equity in STEM education. The Institute seeks to increase the body of STEM education knowledge by collaborating with UNC researchers, K-12 stakeholders, and community partners to conduct and disseminate STEM education research. The Institute strives to put research into practice by advocating for policy, facilitating education outreach initiatives, and developing the expertise of educators in STEM education. The MAST Institute serves as both an intellectual and logistical hub to support these initiatives.