IPY 2007-2008

Application Deadline: 1 April 2010

The 4th International Polar Year (IPY) ran from March 2007 to March
2009, and focused international scientific and educational attention on
the Earth's Polar Regions. Funded by the National Science Foundation
(NSF) and by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, IPY Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Polar Connections is
designed to promote the teaching of science concepts and processes
related to the polar regions, and to emphasize connections to State and
National Science Standards for the middle and high school. It includes a
one-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. Participants will be expected
to use selected materials in their classrooms and also to aid in the
dissemination program.

Features of the program include:

- 12-16 July 2010 at UMass Amherst plus academic year online
discussions;
- Housing (air conditioned single dorm rooms, 10 minutes away),
meals, and travel costs for teachers outside the commuting area;
- $75/day stipends ($375 total);
- Funds to attend conferences for dissemination;
- 3 graduate credits available at reduced cost and free professional
development points (PDPs); and
- Ongoing partnerships with UMass faculty.

The summer institute will focus on current science research in the polar
regions, and making connections to the science curriculum within
participating teachers' regions. It will address the rapid changes
occurring in the physical environment, the corresponding impact on the
biosphere, and the history and politics of the polar regions. During the
institute, participants will preview the curriculum units provided and
draft a plan for incorporating materials into their classroom
instruction and commit to dissemination within their district and at
least one regional venue. They will complete their plans 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 $45 registration fee.
PDP's will be available at no cost for those who do not want graduate
credits. The stipend for the summer workshop is $375. Housing and meals
will be provided for those who live outside the commuting area, along
with travel costs for attending the workshop. Participants will receive
various materials plus a materials budget as well as funds to support
the dissemination efforts.

To apply, teachers should prepare a narrative statement of how they plan
to use the information from this institute within their classroom and
their plans to disseminate the study of polar regions within their
school, school district and a wider region within their geographic area.
Include a specific regional venue that you plan to attend for
dissemination of the information gained during the institute. You must
also include a recent resume and a letter of support from your school
principal or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by
email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Applications are due 1 April 2010. Late applications will be accepted on
a space-available basis.

More information and application forms are available at:
http://www.umassk12.net/ipy.

Or contact:
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