|
University of Idaho GK-12
Information for Prospective Teachers
The Water Resources interdisciplinary program at the University of Idaho has been awarded an NSF GK-12 grant (NSF = National Science Foundation, GK-12 = Graduate Students in the K-12 community.) Water Resources also goes by WoW or Waters of the West (WoW) program.
The goals of the program are to enhance the communication, teamwork, and teaching skills of graduate students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research. To accomplish this, the graduate students (called Fellows, because they receive a fellowship) pair with a 7th - 10th grade teacher for a year and work as a visiting scientist in the teacher's classroom. This entails working with the classroom teacher to develop and deliver active inquiry lessons on a regular basis. The research being done by the scientist and his or her area of expertise should be incorporated into lessons as appropriate. The classroom teacher acts as a mentor, supporting the development of the research scientist into a better communicator of science concepts and a better instructor.
To participate, the teacher agrees to the following:
- Attend two summer institutes on campus
- June 11 - 12 Summer Institute I; meeting with Teachers and Fellows; 9:30 - 12:30 each day on campus
August 13 - 14 Summer Institute II; meeting with Teachers and Fellows; 9:30 - 12:30 first day on campus; second day out at school site
- Attend three on-campus meetings during the academic year (fall, winter, spring, usually late October, January, and April)
- Write online bi-weekly journal entries providing input and observations of what occurred in the classroom during the two week period and providing evidence of the research scientist's progress
- Participate in other program evaluation requirements (surveys, monthly formal evaluations of scientists, etc.)
What you can expect to gain through your participation:
- A $4,500 stipend
- 8 continuing education credits (College of Education 505 course; good for salary schedule or re-certification, may not be used for degree program)
- No out-of-pocket expenses (mileage reimbursed, course fees paid)
- Learn new science content and applications from research scientist
- Have access to university resources for your classroom
- Scientists will have a $200 supply budget to spend in your classroom
- Add new lessons to your collection
- Have fun supporting the development of new skills in a scientist/college instructor so your expertise is passed on into the university classroom
If you are interested, please complete an application. Only teachers whose principals have been contacted by the GK-12 program and who are recommended by their principals are eligible to apply.
If you have any questions, please contact the program manager Paul Allan at pallan@uidaho.edu or 208.885.4015.
Thanks for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.
|