More than a dozen Maine teachers are spending two weeks this summer studying advanced science at the University of Southern Maine, school officials announced today.

With help from USM faculty, 14 teachers of kindergarten through grade 12 are tackling microbiology, virology and immunology using the university's highly specialized microscopes.

USM staff will work with the teachers to develop instructional materials and visual resources for classroom use.

The program is funded by a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources and the National Institutes of Health.