Math and science teachers, like Lacy Caime (pictured), a fourth-grade science teacher at Northeast Elementary School, from across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System have been gathering this summer for Math/Science Institutes.  The professional development program began with middle teachers a few years ago thanks to federal and state grant funding. 

Now in its fifth year, the program has been expanded to include elementary and high school science and math teachers.  Currently, the program is partnered with Louisiana State University.  At science institutes like this one held at La Belle Aire Elementary School, teachers learned how to perform experiments involving creating crystals and growing lima beans, among others, that will give students hands-on activities and get them excited about science.