This project has several components:   A two week summer institute, July 30 - August 3. and August 6-10. We will have a variety of workshops with a blend of content, pedagogy, and educational technology. The use of NASA websites will be featured. Part of the second week will be devoted to the beginning of an individual curriculum component. The institute will be presented by a talented group of UMass and K12 faculty. (More on institute logistics below.) An academic year online support system. During the fall semester, you will share your progress in developing and implementing a curriculum component (details later). The UMass and K12 faculty will take part in these conversations. Academic credits. The summer institute and fall program will earn 80 professional development points (PDPs) at no charge for Massachusetts teachers. An equivalent number of CEUs will be available for teachers from other states. You will have an option of registering for three graduate credits in geosciences at a reduced cost of $100 per credit plus a $40 registration fee, or $340 altogether. Registration information will be available at the institute. Three optional additional credits or 60 PDPs during the academic year. semester . Participants may elect to design and carry out an program of in-depth research on one of the topics addressed in the summer institute. Alternatively, they can develop and deliver a series of workshops on these topics for their schools or districts, or for professional society meetings. You can also write an article for a professional journal. We will have more details later. The same fees apply.   Back to Earth Central Home Page STEM Earth Central will provide:   A stipend of $750, paid sometime (possibly late fall...)  after the end of the institute.   Note that we will not be able to reimburse any transportation costs. Parking passes for a specific lot. Parking rules are rigorously enforced; they tow! After five, however, and on weekends, you may park in any lot. Dormitory housing (singles) for those outside the commuting radius. See the enclosed page on housing and parking. Breakfast (juice, bagels, muffins, coffee, etc.) and lunch for everyone. Those staying in the dorms will also receive a supper allowance for the nights when meals aren't provided by the institute ($15.00); again, reimbursement will be provided well after the end of the institute.   Some logistical details:   Institute hours will be 8:30 to 5 on Mondays-Thursday, and  8:30 to 4:00 on Fridays.  If you are in the dorms, please plan on arriving on Monday morning and going home for the weekend unless it is too far away. There will not be any required evening or weekend events, but there may be optional videos, visits to the astronomical observatory, or open computer lab times some evenings.  There will also be a couple social events.   The institute home base will be in Hasbrouck lab room 208. There we will have all our meals and breaks. See the enclosed map and also the online maps at http://www.umass.edu/umhome/visit_campus/maps.html Plan to arrive on Monday, July 30, between 8:00 and 8:30. If you are staying in the dorms, you will be given a parking permit for lot 44, which is behind the School of Education to the north. Commuters will receive a permit for lot # 63. Parking rules are rigorously enforced; they tow! After five, however, and on weekends, you may park in any lot. If you have a digital camera, laptop computer, or GPS device, or can borrow one from your school, bring it along so you can work with familiar technology. Also, we need some two liter soda bottles, so bring a few along if you can.    Back to Earth Central Home Page Contact  Information STEM Education Institute    voice: 413-545-1908, fax: 413-545-3697