Johns Hopkins Embarks On Project To Improve Baltimore Schools

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As a research university, Johns Hopkins is embarking on a multi-million dollar experiment inside Baltimore City schools.

Alex DeMetrick reports the aim is a brighter future, for students and the country.

Whether it's controlling missions to other planets or using science to study our own world or the world hidden within each of us, the first steps were all taken at Johns Hopkins University.

Now, nine Baltimore City elementary schools will partner with Johns Hopkins University.

"To improve the level of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in the schools," said Michael Falk, JHU investigator.

They will be focusing on the teachers.  Using more than $7 million in a National Science Foundation grant, Hopkins will bring its knowledge base to city grade schools and the communities they serve.

"It's something new for us and it's something we're going to work hard at, but they're going to do well with it," said Terrell Gray, principal.

Members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation visited Arlington Elementary/Middle School for the announcement of the grant, calling it an investment.

"It's very important for these boys and girls, because no matter what you're going to do in the United States in the 21st century, you need science, technology and mathematics," said Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

This experiment isn't going to be isolated to just the classroom.

"But also in after-school program and by going on field trips," said Falk.

The Hopkins study will continue for five years, giving researchers a chance to see if efforts in elementary school will lead to higher grades in science and math in middle school.

The partnership will work with 1,600 students in third through fifth grades at those nine public schools.