Project Overview Background In 1999, the university of Georgia and West Visayas State University signed a Memorandum of Agreement for an international cooperative agreement to pursue activities including research in science and teacher education for their mutual benefit and interest. When Dr. Deborah Tippins resided at West Visayas State University as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in 2001-2202, a project proposal was prepared and submitted to the Fulbright Educational Partnership Program. This project has five interrelated goals which include the following: (1) to develop a more authentic academic community learning experience in the preparation of elementary science teachers; (2) to prepare elementary science teachers as reflective practitioners, generators of knowledge, and agents of change well-versed in qualitative/action research methodologies; (3) to develop culturally-relevant pedagogy and practices for science teacher preparation; (4) to facilitate the professional preparation and development of elementary science teachers who have the skills and conceptual knowledge needed to effectively engage learners; and (5) to internationalize the science education curriculum in university-based science teacher education program.