The Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) was established in October 2018, and awarded funding in 2019 for the moonshot initiative: Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS).
Mission: Through this free program, our mission is to build long-term collaborative relationships between teachers and scientists, better integrate current scientific research and big data into classroom lessons that adhere to Florida Sunshine State Standards and connect a scientist with every school in the state.
SEFS is one of just eight projects awarded funding through a $17 million University of Florida moonshot initiative, aimed at tackling some of society’s most urgent issues. Scientist in Every Florida School has the potential to impact nearly 2.3 million K-12 students and 1000s of teachers statewide. As the name implies, the project mission is to connect all Florida schools with scientists yearly through a variety of platforms.
Participating scientists must have a research focus related to Earth systems—air, water, land and life — which is in line with TESI’s mission to advance public understanding of environmental issues.
COVID-19 Response:
The ongoing global health pandemic has disrupted traditional classroom learning, prompting Florida K-12 teachers to quickly mobilize, rethink their curriculum and launch their virtual classrooms.
To help with this transition, the Scientist in Every Florida School program has developed a suite of digital, on-demand K-12 resources that teachers can easily deploy using their virtual teaching platform of choice. Learn more.
Notice about privacy concerns with Zoom: Our Scientist in Every Florida School team is well-trained in the best practices of using Zoom software, and can guarantee that when you schedule a virtual program through our team, your connection will be entirely secure. For more information, please read our Policy Statement Regarding Privacy Concerns with Zoom.
Program components
- K-12 teacher professional development & resources
- Scientist classroom visits (in-person & virtual)
- Facilitating teacher-scientist relationships
- COVID-19 Response: Digital On-Demand K-12 Resources
Interested in participating?
Visit our “How to Get Involved” page to learn more.
Contact
Brian Abramowitz
K-12 Education & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 516-225-9390
Email: babramowitz@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Stephanie Killingsworth
K-12 Education & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 561-644-2397
Email: skillingsworth@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Scientist in Every Florida School News
SEFS Coordinator Stephanie Killingsworth Elected FAST Area 10 Director
Killingsworth believes through her position at SEFS she will be able to greatly expand the science resources available to teachers in Area 10.
Join Us on July 30 for Florida Museum 360°: Behind the Scenes — The Making of an Exhibit
Take a trip through the South Florida Exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History with Darcie MacMahon, director of exhibits and public programs.
Florida Teachers, Scientists Partner to Develop Science Lesson Plans Rooted in Current Research
During this Scientist in Every Florida School professional development program, K-12 teachers will spend four days immersed in a virtual lab experience.
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