Maryland Sea Grant Schools Network News Vol. 6, No. 1, 2003-2004

Vol. 6, No. 1, 2003-2004

Chesapeake Teacher Research Fellowship

To engage students in meaningful, authentic and locally-based science investigations, teachers themselves need similar first-hand inquiry experiences. They need to understand how scientists and resource managers study and manage the Bay and its watershed. And they need access to current research information about Chesapeake resources that target the classroom environment.

Our Chesapeake Teacher Research Fellowship Program immerses 6-12th grade teachers in Chesapeake research to advance their understanding of related science concepts and the scientific process and to develop associated classroom applications that support state science standards and meaningful bay and stream outdoor experiences.

The Fellowship includes:

Weeklong introductory workshop on Chesapeake science research and meaningful watershed experiences;
Seven-week internship working side-by-side with a scientist on a Chesapeake research project at one of the four ESEP facilities;
Related science classroom application development;
Support throughout the summer and during the academic year from the ESEP team;
Two follow-up meetings to share progress, ideas and questions;
Sharing student applications at the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators (MAEOE) conference and other teacher professional development opportunities.

Teacher fellows receive a stipend, funds for classroom supplies, and travel expenses.

INTERESTED? (www.esep.umces.edu)
This year the fellowship runs from June 2004 to May 2005 with the summer workshop and internship from June 21 to August 13, 2004 and the MAEOE conference January 30 to 31 2005. The fellowship is open to teachers in or near the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Call any of our ESEP team members if you have questions. Applications are due April 16 2004.

The Teacher Research Fellowship Program is made possible with generous support from the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office and the National Park Service National Capital Region.