Summer 2016 opportunities for teachers

Kathryn & Diontae, Teaching Evolution 2015

KBS-based Opportunities:

Professional Development

• Teaching Science Outdoors, apply by May 27
• K-12 Partnership Summer Institute, Aug. 17-19

Research Experience for Teachers (MSU-based)

1. Adaptation and Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis: adapted for the middle and high school classroom
   • Part-time Research Experience for Teachers (RET). Schemske Lab, summer 2016
   • We are seeking 2 teachers (1 middle school and 1 high school) to work at Michigan State University, East Lansing, summer 2016 (between June 1 – July 31 2016).
     

     Doug Schemske, Spring 2016 K-12 Partnership Workshop

   • Study the genetics of the world’s first model plant– the entire genome of the tiny Arapidopsis thaliana or Mouse Eared Cress has been sequenced.  Freezing tolerance is an adaptive trait of this European plant that is of interest to evolutionary biologists.  What are costs and benefits of freezing freezing tolerance? What genes are involved?  Join the Schemske lab this summer to create a hands-on freezing tolerance assay experiment for the K-12 classroom.  Lesson plans will incorporate several NGSS themes: evolution by natural selection, population shifts due to climate change, and adaptation.  A ‘Data Nugget’ will be created from existing data sets, these worksheets are intended to build quantitative skills to solve scientific problems.
     1. Detailed job description
     2. Apply online by Friday, May 6
     3. Compensation: $1500 ($750 after the completion of Report 1; $750 after the completion of Report 2), $250 for classroom supplies

Research Experience for Teachers (KBS-based)

Thanks to the National Science Foundation and the leadership of the KBS Long-term Ecological Research program Connie High (Elena Litchman’s lab) and Sean Davis (Jen Lau’s lab) will be completing RETs.  Another NSF supplement will allow Jennifer Boyle (Jen Lau’s lab) to complete an RET this summer.

Off-site Opportunities:

Bioenergy Institute for Educators, UW-Madison, June 20-24: Join us for an intensive 5-day program at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center to learn about the latest developments in bioenergy research and high-quality, NGSS-aligned instructional materials. Includes $400 stipend, optional graduate credit. Accepting applications through May 1, 2016. See: https://www.glbrc.org/education/educational-programs/bioenergy-institute  

Energy Institute for Educators, UW-Madison, August 9-11: Engage in the breadth of research and education resources at the UW-Madison Wisconsin Energy Institute related to the theme of Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change. Highlights include lab tours, discussions, hands-on experience with classroom materials, and support in implementing NGSS-aligned lessons with your students. Includes $300 stipend, credit option. Applications accepted through May 30th. See: http://energy.wisc.edu/education/energy-institute-educators

Questions?  Please contact Kara Haas, Science Education & Outreach Coordinator