In 2003, the National Science Foundation awarded a three-year grant to the Field Station and Environmental Education Center at Ball State University as part of the GK-12 program.  This grant allows graduate students in the sciences to partner with K-8 teachers in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) to enhance science education through new classroom activities, workshops, and environmental programs. 

The focus of the collaboration is to provide support to IPS teachers to bridge learning gaps in K-8 science standards through inquiry-based approaches and to provide opportunities for professional development in multiple science content areas.  The graduate fellows also provide support for GLOBE based student inquiries and learning activities.