Local science projects get education grants

Math, science, technology and engineering education in Arizona just got a multimillion boost.

Phoenix's Science Foundation Arizona is giving $3.2 million to nine projects - four in Tucson.

"Education in math and science starting in elementary school is the bedrock on which Arizona's future prosperity needs to be built," William C. Harris, foundation president and CEO, said in a statement.

"These investments will foster exciting opportunities for education that are vital to the support of 21st century enterprises."

University of Arizona is among the grant recipients and will get $830,000 for two projects, a release said Thursday.

One project will create the Arizona Rivers Project, allowing students and teachers to monitor rivers and riparian zones in the state.

The other, Arizona Science Teacher Advancement and Research Training, will allow UA to offer online courses for biology educators.

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory also received $350,000 for two projects.

The first grant is for its Hands-On Optics Project, which allows students in rural areas the chance to learn about optics.

The second is for the Building Information Technology Skills Through Astronomy program, allowing math and science teachers to do research and incorporate learned concepts in their classrooms.