2021-2022 School Year

Residential Summer Workshops at the University of Connecticut’s School of Engineering

The daVinci Project

July 11-15, 2022

Introducing our students to engineering is a national need.  Most students love to be creative and to connect academics to the real world….this is what engineers do while making technologies that solve serious world problems.  The UConn School of Engineering is holding its 21^st annual daVinci Project.   It is a weeklong (Mon-Fri) residential series of hands-on workshops for middle and high school science and math teachers. This year it’s being held July 11-15.  Teachers live on campus and participate in one of 6 very engaging workshops, as well as many other seminars, a variety tours through research labs, our state of the art CoGen plant, Water Reclaim and Wastewater Facilities, and our new Innovation Partnership Building.  Come and be part of an exciting week of exploration! 

We have 18 full or partial fellowships available. 

Workshop links below.

1.      Innovative Underwater Robotics for STEM projects – 8 Fellowships available

2.        Environmental [In]Justice – 2 Fellowships available

3.       Understanding Pain: Sensory and emotional stimulus to your brain  – 2 Fellowships available

4.     Bioinformatics: Using Computer Science to Understand Life – 3 Fellowships available

5.       Monitoring and Maintaining Stream Health in a Developed Watershed - 2 Fellowships available

6.       Smart Films and Flexible Electronics – 1 Fellowship available

An on-line 2022 application and more information can be accessed at  https://inclusion.engr.uconn.edu/davinci/

Registration deadline: June 1, 2022.

Confirmation will be sent after your registration is received.

If you have questions or need further information please contact us at engr-davinci@uconn.edu or 860-486-5536. 

The Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation in Saco, Maine

The Ecology School and Poland Spring® are partnering to bring K-8 Science Teachers from around the United States to Maine for a free 4-day professional development institute focusing on watershed science, outdoor learning, and community impact.

Through application of The Ecology School’s pedagogy and teaching techniques developed through 20+ years of award-winning outdoor science lessons, teachers will be challenged to explore water’s connection to human systems and its impacts on the environment. Immersed in field-based ecology lessons, teachers will have opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from schools around the country to reimagine their teaching to include outdoor learning, place-based experiences, and community partners.

The Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation sponsored by Poland Spring will be offered to two cohorts: July 25-28 and July 30- August 2.

Teachers who are accepted into the Institute will attend free of charge, thanks to our sponsor Poland Spring. An initial $250 stipend will be awarded upon arrival to the Institute, a second $250 upon implementation of a community-based project after the Institute, and participation in ongoing project evaluation. Travel stipends and additional scholarships to supplement childcare costs, lost summer income, etc. are available based on need.

K-5 Educators - Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology K-12 Education team August 8-10, 2022, for an Educator Retreat at Sapsucker Woods in beautiful Ithaca, New York. 

This one-of-a-kind program includes hands-on activities, guest speakers, and outdoor exploration, and will be a time for rejuvenation and re-connection for educators. We will highlight best practices in citizen science, nature-based education, and social-emotional learning (SEL).  To make the most of our time together, participants will be asked to complete the free eBird Essentials course before the retreat. The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and will give participants the fundamentals of eBird participation. We will expand on how to use eBird with kids during the retreat.

This experience is especially designed for K-5 classroom educators, STEM coordinators, and school librarians looking for innovative ways to teach STEM content and develop science literacy. This retreat will help you incorporate citizen science and nature exploration into elementary classrooms.

Workshop costs are being supplemented by grant and sponsor funds. The registration fee is $300, which includes:

• Your choice of either the K-2 or 3-5 eBird Explorer kits. Additional kits available for pre-order
• Delicious meals and plenty of snacks during workshop hours. Meals include Monday dinner; Tuesday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Wednesday breakfast. Covid restrictions allowing, dinner on Tuesday will be a picnic in a gorgeous local state park.
• Hands-on training, tours, and bird walks (most led by Cornell Lab experts!)
• 2 CEUs from Cornell University

Full scholarships are available, including some travel support. Apply by 11:59 pm on April 24, 2022.

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is excited to announce Teaching the Genome Generation 2022, a one-week, residential, paid professional development short course for Connecticut STEM teachers and preservice teachers focused on genomics and personal genetics. We are broadly recruiting for participants for this program; please excuse us if you receive multiple emails.

The PD course will be held Sunday, June 26 to Friday, July 1, 2022 at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. This hands-on course will focus on modern human genome biology and will cover:

o   Molecular biology techniques in the school laboratory

o   Bioinformatics, use of genome databases, and quantitative/data analysis skill development

o   Social, ethical, and legal topics in personal genetics

o   Practical strategies for implementation in your classroom

The course is designed for current and aspiring (preservice) high school life sciences teachers. Participants will perform molecular biology and bioinformatics experiments in the teaching laboratory. Lively discussions of social, ethical, and legal topics in personal genetics will be woven into all aspects of the course. Teachers will be provided training in NGSS-aligned, inquiry-based lessons that can be implemented (in whole or in part) in their biology classroom. JAX will provide ongoing support (equipment, reagents, and instructional assistance) during subsequent academic years in order to facilitate curricular integration of genomics instruction. Access to all lesson plans and curricular materials will be made freely available to all participants for use in their classes. 

Participants will receive a stipend of $500, on-campus accommodations, and all meals. Participant travel expenses will also be covered and a certificate of contact hours will be conferred.

Teaching the Genome Generation has already been implemented in schools across the state – we hope you will join the project!

Application and enrollment is ongoing and will continue until the course is full.

See our website for more information about the program.

Apply now to participate in our 2022 course!

Feel free to contact the staff at ttgg@jax.org with any questions. 

Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science 

Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science, a free, three-day, grant-funded professional development opportunity for middle and high school science educators, based at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, with all room and board included.  We welcome applications from both informal and formal educators around the country who work with Grade 6–12 audiences. For formal Grade 6–12+ educators, our emphasis is now on site teams of 2–3, with at least one science teacher “anchor,” and 1–2 non-science teachers interested in incorporating conservation in their subjects and engaging in cross-curricular projects centered on student action and wildlife conservation! Applications and registration for our San Diego Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science are now open through April! 

July 11–13, 2022 High School Focus

July 18-20, 2022 Middle School Focus

July 25-27, 2022 High School Focus

August 1-3, 2022 Middle School Focus

August 8-10, 2022 High School Focus

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Office of Education will conduct a virtual National Summer Teacher Institute (NSTI) on innovation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and intellectual property during the week of July 25-29, 2022. 

NSTI combines experiential training tools, practices, and project-based learning models to support elementary, middle, and high school teachers and increase their knowledge of inventing and innovating. The central focus of NSTI is to create and protect intellectual property—this includes inventions, knowledge discovery, creative ideas, and expressions of the human mind that may have commercial value and are protectable under patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret laws. Intellectual property is modeled as both a teaching and learning platform to help inspire and motivate student achievement in STEM disciplines, computer science, and other fields of study, such as innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Presentation speakers and hands-on workshop instructors include experts from the USPTO, noted scientists and engineers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from other federal government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Participants are introduced to teacher-friendly materials designed to enhance student learning and inspire the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.    FAQ's

Applications are due by April 12, 2022

Mini-Grants Available for Bird-Friendly Projects

Do you have a bird-friendly project and need some funds to get it done? Hartford Audubon Society is accepting applications for Mini-Grants (up to $1,000) that help fund and support initiatives within the state of Connecticut, and especially Hartford County, which directly benefit the bird life in our state. Bird-friendly plantings, nesting boxes, bird habitat enhancements and removal of invasives, creation of trails for bird watching, school projects to help teach about birds... all of these have been past grant recipients so get your application in soon.

Deadline is February 15.

Knowles Teaching Fellows Program

The Fellowship is designed for individuals who recognize that teaching is an intellectually demanding profession and are committed to being leaders and change agents in education. Teaching Fellows are part of a network of like-minded individuals who share a dedication to science and mathematics education. Throughout the year, Fellows participate in the Knowles community via online workspaces. At Fall, Spring and Summer Fellows’ Meetings, Fellows are exposed to a variety of resources, curriculum materials, research, and experts in the field.

Knowles Teaching Fellowships are intended to support beginning high school science and mathematics teachers in the United States. 2022 Fellowships will be awarded to individuals who:

• have the capacity and determination to commit to teaching as their primary career;
• have earned a degree in a major related to the mathematics or science discipline they intend to teach between 2012 and September 1, 2022;
• have earned or will earn a valid state teaching credential/certificate/license that enables them to teach mathematics or science in grades 9–12 in the United States no earlier than January 1, 2017 and no later than September 1, 2022; and
• will be entering their first or second year as teacher of record during the 2022–2023 academic year.*

* For the purpose of eligibility, we consider an applicant’s first year of teaching to be the first year in which they teach full time for the full academic year as the teacher-of-record.

Applications are due on February 9, 2022

NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship

Through the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, public school educators develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into their daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Fellows transform their classrooms to give students a global perspective.

Over the course of a year, NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows immerse themselves in online coursework, webinars, reading and reflection as well as in a two-day professional workshop and an international field study. The field study brings the cohort together to investigate the historical and cultural context of the country they visit and learn about its education system through meetings with policymakers, business and nonprofit leaders as well as visits to schools to meet teachers, students and administrators. The NEA Foundation partners with EF Educational Tours, a global leader in international education, to design transformative field study experiences for the Fellows. The field study country for the 2022 cohort is South Africa. Applications are due by March 1, 2022

National STEM Scholar Program

Applications are now open for middle school science teachers wishing to apply for a spot in the 2022 class of the National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM training, national network building and “big idea” project support for the teachers of aspiring scientists nationwide.

Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants to participate in a week of advanced STEM training, national network building and individual project development on the campus of WKU. STEM Scholars also spend a day with a nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker. Past speakers have included Dr. Eric Mazur, Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, and Dr. John Medina, author of New York Times bestseller Brain Rules.    

• Scholars are selected based solely on the merit of questions answered in the application.

  There are now 60 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 29 states, from Alaska to New York and Wisconsin to Florida. Each successful Scholar applicant receives the following:

• ·         Advanced education and leadership training on the campus of WKU May 29-June 4, 2022. All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are included
• ·         A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration
• ·         A generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project
• ·         Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference in March/April 2023. All expenses – registration, travel, lodging, meals – are included
• ·         Year-long mentorship and support provided by WKU faculty

Applications are due February 1, 2022

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) offers many awards and grants to master science teachers.   Most, but not all, nominations are due by December 20, 2021.   Refer to this site for more details. 

Vernier Software and Technology
Award: $1,000 in Vernier technology, plus an annual software licence and professional support
Number of Awards: 40
Application Deadline: November 5

Vernier/NSTATechnology Awards

Sponsor: Vernier and the National Science Teachers Association
Award: $1,000 cash, $3,000 in Vernier products, and up to $1,500 toward expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education
Number of Awards: 7 (1 elementary, 2 middle school, 3 high school, 1 college)
Application Deadline: December 20

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program participants complete short-term international projects, collaborate with colleagues abroad, and share educational policy and practice on a global scale.

This program's projects cover a variety of disciplines, and program cycles may have varying numbers of projects available for application.

Participants receive funding that covers project activities including international airfare, living expenses, meals, and an honorarium for the time in country. Host organizations support participants to find housing and transportation while on site.

How to apply and current STEAM programs.  Apply by October 15.  

Skills21 at EdAdvance is excited to announce the third year of an opportunity for high school teachers interested in the intersection between STEM subjects and Augmented Reality.

With support from the National Science Foundation, Skills21 is recruiting a cohort of STEM area high school teachers this year who want to engage their class in using Augmented Reality (AR). Biology or chemistry teachers will pilot a curriculum unit that incorporates AR apps and design. 

Participating teachers will receive:

● $1000 stipend

● $500 for project materials

● Onsite or remote coaching and professional development

Participating teachers will need to:

● Pilot and/or provide feedback on two or three Augmented Reality units that teach students science content and how to use and create AR apps.

● Allow Skills21 to conduct pre- and post-intervention online surveys with their students (Fall-early winter and June

Interested teachers should complete this form or contact Liz Radday (radday@edadvance.org) or Matt Mervis (mervis@edadvance.org).

Space Foundation Teacher Liaison Program              

Teacher Liaisons use space-related education programs and principles in the classroom to act as advocates for space-based education in their schools and districts. They receive Space Foundation training and resources to further integrate space into their classrooms. The program is open to preK–20 public, private, and homeschool teachers, as well as school administrators, principals, specialists, curriculum and instruction developers, and others who deliver education programs to students. This prestigious, internationally recognized program provides benefits and privileges that improve teaching skills, strengthen resumes, and influence space and science education at an international level. (Deadline October 30)

Toshiba America Foundation STEM Grants

 The Toshiba America Foundation (TAF)  announced over $90,000 in grants for eight innovative classroom STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic) projects in grades 6-12.

STEM educators interested in applying for a K-5 TAF grant please click here (deadline: 10/1) or a 6-12 TAF grant please click here (deadlines; > $5K: 5/1 & 11/1; < $5K: 3/1, 6/1, 9/1, 12/1)

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

The 2021-22 nomination and application windows for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. Teachers of grades K-6 mathematics, science and technology are encouraged to sign up to apply.  The 2021-2022 nomination window will close on January 7, 2022 and the application window will close on February 6, 2022.  Nomination forms

Dominion Energy Environmental Education & Stewardship Grants

Funding for projects that support the environment.  

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation will award up to $1.5 million through a competitive Environmental Education and Stewardship grants program.  Eligible organizations include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public and private K-12 schools in communities served by Dominion Energy companies. This includes Connecticut with the Millstone  The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation considers grant requests up to $50,000 that focus on specific, short-term projects that promise measurable results to improve the environment, and K-12 requests up to $5,000. The projects should support one or more of the following priorities:

• Educating students and the public about environmental stewardship
• Protecting and preserving natural habitats
• Improving open spaces and making nature accessible

Application Cycle

• August 2 - Application period opens
• September 30 - Application period closes at 5 p.m.
• December - Notification to all applicants
• Winter - Public announcements and check presentations