STEM Ed Announcement: IPY STEM Connections Summer Instiute

[Morton Sternheim <mort@k12s.phast.umass.edu>]

IPY STEM Polar Connections
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Sunday, June 28 - Thursday, July 2, 2009

===============================================

Announcing a unique new opportunity for middle and high school STEM
teachers.

Funded by NSF and by UMass Amherst, STEM Polar Connections is designed to
promote the teaching of science concepts and processes related to the Polar
Regions and to emphasize connections to State and National Science Standards
for the middle and high school. It includes a one-week summer institute and
academic year online discussion forums, and features a variety of proven
techniques for effective teaching, including inquiry-based teaching,
cooperative learning, and methods for formative assessment of student
learning.  Participants will be expected to use selected materials in their
classrooms and also to aid in the dissemination program.

Features of the program include:

"	June 28 - July 2, 2009,  at UMass Amherst plus academic year online
	discussions
"	Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Climate System
	Research Center
"	Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers
"	Housing (air conditioned single dorm rooms, 10 minutes away), meals,
 	and travel costs for teachers outside the commuting area 
"	$75/day stipends ($375 total)
"	Funds to attend conferences for dissemination
"	3 graduate credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's
	(professional development points)
"	Ongoing partnerships with UMass faculty

The summer institute will focus on current science research in the polar
regions, and making connections to the science curriculum within
participating teachers' regions. It will address the rapid changes occurring
in the physical environment, the corresponding impact on the biosphere, and
the history and politics of the polar regions. During the institute,
participants will preview the curriculum units provided and draft a plan for
incorporating materials into their classroom instruction and commit to
dissemination within their district and at least one regional venue. They
will complete their plans in the fall, using the online discussion forums to
facilitate collaborative efforts among participants and UMass faculty. 

Three graduate credits will be available for the institute and curriculum
unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee.  PDP's will be
available at no cost for those who do not want graduate credits. The stipend
for the summer workshop is $375. Housing and meals will be provided for
those who live outside the commuting area, along with travel costs for
attending the workshop.  Participants will receive various materials plus a
materials budget as well as funds to support the dissemination efforts.

Application process: Teachers should prepare a narrative statement of how
they plan to use the information from this institute within their classroom
and their plans to disseminate the study of Polar Regions within their
school, school district and a wider region within their geographic area.
Please include a specific regional venue that you plan to attend for
dissemination of the information gained during the institute. You must also
include a recent resume and a letter of support from your school principal
or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax,
or US mail. Applications are due April 1, 2009. Late applications will be
accepted on a space-available basis.

More information and application forms: 		  

www.umassk12.net/ipy
ipy@umassk12.net

voice: 413-545-0734, fax: 413-545-3697