Are you a Florida public elementary school teacher looking for a professional development experience related to insects?
We invite you to apply and be part of a one-day professional development workshop titled, “Silk Protein Innovation and Novelty (SPIN) program for Florida Elementary School Teachers.” During this workshop, participants will collaborate and engage with scientists using CT-scanning technology to study the ways in which different insects produce different kinds of silk.
Teachers will learn how to operate the nano-CT scanner and its associated software to produce three-dimensional images of moths and caddisflies, in order to visualize the internal organs and structures associated with insect silk production.
Workshop Dates & Location:
The workshop will take place on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida.
Participants will be responsible for travel to and from the workshop.
A detailed agenda will be provided to participants prior to travel.
Learning Goals and Benefits:
Participants will gain the following:
- Entomology content expertise and skills
- A chance to network with university researchers and like-minded teachers across the state.
- A $250 stipend for successful completion of the program components.
- Ability to expose students to CT-scanning technology and entomology career paths.
Workshop Expectations
In order to receive the stipend, participants must:
- Attend the entire daylong workshop and all required sessions
- Schedule a visit with a scientist to their classroom
- Follow standard policies and procedures, and participate in and complete any evaluations, assessments, and surveys required as part of the program
Eligibility
In order to be considered, applicants:
- Must be a current public school elementary school teacher within the state of Florida. Teachers who teach at schools that receive Title I funds are especially encouraged to apply.
- Must plan to continue teaching at a public school for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Must be able to attend and actively participate in the workshop.
- Must be enthusiastic to learn!
Deadline:
Teachers must apply by March 15, 2023 to be considered.
To apply:
Please apply online by visiting the following link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eszg8YGQKIQZJ4O
*If you would like to first preview all questions, visit the following link to view a PDF version of the application: PDF Application
Instructors
- Akito Kawahara, Curator of Lepidoptera, Florida Museum of Natural History
- David Plotkin, Project Manager for the Kawahara Lab, Florida Museum of Natural History
- Ed Stanley, Associate Scientist, Digital Imaging Division at the Florida Museum of Natural History
- Brian Abramowitz, K-12 Education and Outreach Coordinator, Scientist in Every Florida School
Funding Sources
