Are you a public middle school teacher in Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, Marion, or Union County?
We invite you to apply and be part of a one-day science field trip titled, “Stellar spectroscopy and the origin of the elements STEM program for Florida Middle School Teachers and Students.” During this interactive experience, students will observe, analyze, and determine the chemical abundances of stars using the local teaching observatory and telescopes.
This authentic research experience provides students with an opportunity to work with real spectroscopic data. These steps are important in encouraging students to self-identify as scientists, which is a strong factor in developing K-12 students’ persistence and interest to pursue STEM majors and careers. Learn more about our 2023 participants at the following link: 2023 Stellar Spectroscopy and the Origin of the Elements for Middle School Teachers
Limited to two teachers with classes of 25 students each.
Field Trip Dates & Location:
The field will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida following sunset. Thursday, March 28, 2024 will serve as a backup date in case of inclement weather.
Teachers and students will be responsible for travel to and from the field trip.
A detailed agenda with an exact start time will be provided to participants prior to the field trip.
If you have questions, contact Brian Abramowitz, babramowitz@floridamuseum.ufl.edu.
Learning Goals and Benefits:
Students will gain the following:
- Opportunity to work with real spectroscopic data
- Authentic research experience
- A chance to work with university researchers
- Exposure to science careers and role models
Teachers will gain the following:
- A chance to network with university researchers and like-minded teachers across the state
- A $200 stipend for successful completion of the program components
- Ability to expose students to various STEM career paths
Program Expectations
In order to for teachers to receive the $200 stipend, participants must:
- Attend the field trip with their students on March 21, 2024
- Teach newly learned astronomy concepts in the classroom
- Have a scientist visit your classroom before the end of the school year
- Administer an evaluation survey to students
Eligibility
In order to be considered, applicants:
- Must be a current public middle school teacher within Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, Marion, or Union counties. 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 2024-2025 school year.
- Must be able to attend with students and actively participate in the field trip.
- Must be enthusiastic to learn!
Deadline:
Teachers must apply by February 28, 2024 to be considered.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application (selected or not) by March 3, 2024.
To apply:
Please apply online by visiting the following link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqoQwpsZgZ8X4bk
*If you would like to first preview all questions, visit the following link to view a PDF version of the application: PDF Application
Instructors
Rana Ezzeddine, Assistant Professor of Astronomy, University of Florida
Funding Sources
