IPY STEM Polar Connections: Summer 2010 Institute

Here's a summer opportunity for educators:
IPY STEM Polar Connections: Summer 2010 Institute

Summer 2010 Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 12-16 July 2010;

Application Deadline: 1 April 2010

The 4th International Polar Year (IPY) ran from March 2007 to March 2009,
and focused international scientific and educational attention on the
Earth's Polar Regions. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and
by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, IPY Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (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:
- 12-16 July 2010 at UMass Amherst plus academic year online discussions;
- 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 and free professional
development points (PDPs); and
- 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.

To apply, 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.
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
U.S. mail.

Applications are due 1 April 2010. Late applications will be accepted on a
space-available basis.

More information and application forms are available at:
http://www.umassk12.net/ipy.

Or contact:
Email: ipy@umassk12.net
Phone: 413-545-0734