Middle and high school science teachers are invited to apply to a year-long, online teacher professional development course that begins in April 2010. Participants will explore, apply, and reflect on Six Star Science, a research-based framework for supporting excellence in science education. Teacher fellows will also engage in online discussions, and utilize tools and strategies to enhance student-centered learning by effectively transforming lessons. Teacher fellows will attend and be honored at the American Physiological Society’s (APS) annual scientific meeting, Experimental Biology, in Washington, DC in April 2011. Deadline for submitting online applications is February 1, 2010: www.frontiersinphys.org.
The new Online Teacher Professional Development Program especially invites teachers working in rural areas, school systems with limited resources, and primarily minority schools to apply. Space is limited. If space is available after the February 1 deadline, decisions will be made on a rolling-admissions basis.
Who?Middle and High School Science Teachers
Why?
Explore Effective Teaching Strategies
Understand the Scientific Research Process
Enhance Your Classroom Instruction
When?
April 2010 - April 2011
Applications open: December 15, 2009
Due no later than: February 1, 2010
Notifications: early March
What?
Payments:
Completing assignments ($2000 total)
Grant for classroom materials ($300 maximum)
Travel expenses to Washington, DC, April 9-13, 2011 ($1200 maximum)
How?
Online Teacher Professional Development Course with the American Physiological Society
Online Program Information: www.frontiersinphys.org
Explore Effective Teaching Strategies
The APS Six Star Science framework for supporting excellence in science education:
- student-centered instruction
- valuing diversity among students
- integrating technology
- developing authentic assessments
- utilizing accurate and current content
- reflecting on teaching and learning
Learn about:
- the scientific method
- generating valid hypotheses
- connecting basic to clinical research
- using animals and humans in research
- research careers in physiology
Use toolkits of strategies and Six Star Science to:
- transform cookbook labs into engaging student-centered, inquiry-based lessons
- align lessons to your state and national science education standards
Summer 2010: Understanding the research process.
Fall/Winter 2010: Transform cookbook labs into Six Star Science lessons for your classroom.
Spring 2011: Attend the Experimental Biology scientific meeting in Washington, DC.
Online Program Information and Application: www.frontiersinphys.org
Be sure to read and follow the “HOW TO APPLY” GUIDE at the program website.
Questions? Contact the APS K-12 Education Programs Coordinator: Mel Limson
The Frontiers in Physiology Online Teacher Professional Development program is supported by the APS and a Science Education Partnership Award (Grant #RR025127) from the National Center for Research Resources at the National Institutes of Health.
Testimonials from past Teacher Fellows about the Frontiers in Physiology program:On the fellowship experience from Diana DeSpain (2002, Oklahoma): "Enjoy every minute of the fellowship experience because it goes by so fast. You are so absorbed in the material and assignments that it will take you a year just to compress and reflect on it all. So soak it up, relax, and enjoy the incredible journey that the APS will take you on!"
A reflection on assignments from Kris Clements (2000, Louisiana): "Enjoy the assignments! They made me think about my teaching more than I had done in years. I still go back and read them to monitor my teaching and where I wish to go with it."
A reflection on the beginning of the program from Shelley Epperson (2002, Illinois): "I remember being so excited about receiving the award, and then really worried about whether I could handle the extra work load. As the online assignments started up, I really felt panicky about it all. Had I just read through everything as soon as it arrived and gotten to the online portion sooner, I could have eased my mind. It was clear that although work was involved, the amount of work and the time it would take to complete it was completely blown out of proportion by my worrying about it! Also, whenever I was really stumped by anything, all of you at APS gave such great advice and reassurance!"