|
Currently not recruiting
(please see bottom of page).
BE A VISITING
SCIENTIST IN A SCHOOL IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION
At a time when studies show that there is still a crisis in science
education in
the schools, we must make more of an effort to inspire the excitement of
discovery in future generations. Since 1997, Project ASTRO/Seattle has
enhanced
science and astronomy education by fostering ongoing partnerships between
teachers and astronomers, astronomy clubs, universities, observatories and
planetaria. And now, since 2002 Project AstroBio is an amalgamation of
"classic"
Project Astro with a new component of Astrobiology, which is the study of
the
origin, history, and extremes of life on Earth, as well as the possibility
of
life on other planets.
We are seeking interested scientists to participate in our innovative
volunteer
program.
Scientists and teachers participate in a mandatory hands-on training
workshop,
receive a wide variety of activities and resource materials, and work
together to
plan activities and programs for their schools.
Scientist partners commit to make at least four visits plus an
observing/planning
visit to their partner classroom during the school year. You might help to
lead
hands-on activities, organize evening observing sessions, create a school
science
club, present auditorium or career day programs, arrange field trips, or
assist
with science fair projects. We emphasize the hands-on activities that
research
has shown are most effective in helping students learn the process of
science.
Project AstroBio's visiting scientists will:
- Be paired with a 3rd to 12th grade teacher at a school or community
center in their area
- Receive support and assistance from Project AstroBio staff (including
materials, telephone and email support, information about what is succeeding
at other school sites)
- Receive resources for their visits:
- curriculum materials
- resource lists
- tips on working with schools and students
- Meet and network with other scientists who are interested in education;
you may want to join in a partnership with another scientist from
your group or institution
Visiting scientists commit to:
- Make at least four regular visits and one planning/observation visit
during the
school year, at times to be arranged with your partner teacher
- Remain in the program throughout the school year
- Attend follow-up workshops
- Be available for their teachers between visits by telephone or email
- Recruit, when possible, other local scientists to assist with
activities such as observing sessions or field trips
- Cooperate with project staff to help assess the program
Visiting scientists should have:
- Some experience in explaining science to beginners
and working with children or teens
- A genuine interest in working with children (ages 8-17)
- Time to commit to one observational class visit and at least four school
visits
- Time to make evening telephone or email contacts with their partner
teacher
between visits
- Availability to attend the training workshop
- Knowledge of astronomy and/or astrobiology topics, although a degree in
science is NOT required
Criteria we will consider in selecting visiting scientists:
- The written volunteer application and possibly a telephone interview
- Experience working with schools or explaining science to students or
the public
- Commitment to work as a partner with your teacher, respecting their
professionalism
- Availability of time to carry out the training and visits
- Willingness to learn and use a hands-on, activities-oriented approach to
teaching science to children and teens
- Connection with an astronomy or science institution such a club,
academic department, planetarium, observatory, museum, etc.
- Availability of an interested teacher in your geographic area
- Balanced representation of grade levels and geographic areas
Due to lack of funding, Project AstroBio is not currently recruiting new
partnerships. We will resume if and when new funding is found. Please
check back again.
|
