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).
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.
Pilot program:
In its first three years, the program aims to connect scientists with every K-12 public school in five target counties:
- Alachua
- Escambia
- Lee
- Palm Beach
- Seminole
Program components
- K-12 teacher professional development
- Scientist classroom visits (in-person & virtual)
- Facilitating teacher-scientist relationships
K-12 Professional Development & Resources
As part of this program, the Thompson Earth Systems Institute hosts a series of teacher professional development workshops. During these workshops, teachers work alongside scientists to learn the latest research trends and develop hands-on lesson plans. To learn more about upcoming professional development opportunities and to access resources developed during past PD, visit our K-12 Professional Development & Resources page.
Interested in participating?
Teachers:
Teachers, schools and districts in Florida interested in participating in the project should reach out to the project outreach coordinators. If you are a teacher in one of our five pilot counties, you can and fill out our “Request a Scientist” form. Teachers from outlying counties can fill out the “Outlying County Teacher Form”. For recent and upcoming K-12 professional development opportunities, be sure to check our Upcoming Professional Development Calendar and join our teacher-scientist Facebook Group.
If you have already participated in a scientist visit, please leave your feedback by filling out our “Post Scientist Visit Evaluation” form.
Scientists:
Are you a scientist or graduate student interested in visiting a Florida classroom? Does your research focus on air, water, land or life? We would love to help connect you to a classroom. Please fill out the “Scientist Participation” form and we will contact you shortly.
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 Team Takes Part in Escambia County In-Service Conference
Escambia County set for first scientist visit of the year after pre-service conference.
Successful Turnout at Palm Beach County STEM Teacher Back to School Conference
Scientist in Every Florida School formally introduces the initiative to Palm Beach County School District science teachers.
Human Evolution Summer Teacher Workshop Empowers Educators
K–12 educators collaborate with scientists to incorporate paleontology and paleoanthropology into their existing science curricula.