• July 30 to August 3 and August 6-10, 2007 at UMass Amherst plus academic year online discussions
• Funded by NASA and the UMass Vice Provosts for Outreach and for Research
• Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Department of Geosciences
• Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers
• Housing and meals provided for teachers outside the commuting area
• $750 stipends, materials
• Up to 6 graduate credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's (Professional Development Points)
• Ongoing partnerships with UMass faculty

Funded by NASA and by UMass Amherst, STEM Earth Central is designed to promote the teaching of concepts and processes articulated in the Earth and Space Science strand of the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Framework in the middle and high school. It includes a two-week summer institute and academic year online discussion forums, and features a variety of proven techniques for effective teaching, including inquiry-based teaching, cooperative learning, and methods for formative assessment of student learning.

The summer institute will focus on the relationship between science and technology as teachers utilize NASA data and images in exploring hydrology, geology, plate tectonics, meteorology, climatology, and energy resources. During the institute, participants will begin to develop curriculum units using NASA materials and local measurements. They will complete these in the fall, using the online discussion forums to facilitate collaborative efforts among participants and UMass faculty.

Three graduate credits will be available for the institute and curriculum unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $40 registration fee. An additional 3 credit option will entail the completion of a research project or the preparation and presentation of teacher workshops. PDP's will be available at no cost for those who do not want graduate credits. The stipend for the summer workshop is $750. Housing and meals will be provided for those who live outside the commuting area. Participants will receive various materials plus a materials budget.

 Application process: Teachers should prepare a narrative statement of how they intend to the institute materials in their classroom. They should also include in their application package a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1, 2007. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

Click here for an application form in Microsoft Word format