The Foundations in Science and Mathematics (FSM) summer program is a unique, two-week informal summer program that mutually benefits both local high school students and graduate student instructors. FSM provides unique educational opportunities for two distinct populations: secondary students and graduate students. By attending the program, secondary students are taught a foundational set of concepts and skills to help them prepare for their upcoming high school courses. FSM aims to enhance high school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education as well as provide graduate students with valuable opportunities to explore curriculum design and pedagogical techniques.
Courses were held during two separate identical two-week sessions, one in June and the other in July. The summer of 2017 saw the eighth iteration of the program with new courses in brain science, forensic science, and evolution. The goal of the program is to provide a strong foundation for upcoming high school STEM classes and, in general, later learning. Students are offered introductory and advanced courses in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, and astronomy. These courses consisted of hands-on activities, demonstrations, lecture style instruction, and problem-solving discussions in both groups and as individuals. The program and its courses were entirely designed and implemented by Indiana University graduate students.