Southeast Region - Biology/Environmental Science Workshops

Hamline University presents the Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project (MnSTEP) - the first statewide, regional series of summer science workshops in content and teaching strategies. Join your colleagues for an extended inquiry into a specific set of topic standards. Each workshop is designed to enrich your understanding of the science concepts you teach and help you develop new teaching strategies for your classroom.

Participants receive:

• A fun five days of inquiry exploration into a science topic area
• The opportunity to explore, ask questions and share ideas in a collegial environment
• Rolls/coffee and lunch each day
• $100 stipend
• Topic Resources
• Two graduate credits from Hamline University
• One-year membership in the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA)
• A deeper understanding of the science standards you teach

Teachers from Southeastern Minnesota will have priority in the selection process for these workshops, but science teachers from anywhere in the state may apply. We are looking to involve teachers from as many different schools as possible. You will be asked to help collect student achievement data during the upcoming school year. Overnight lodging and mileage are not covered in the grant (we encourage you to investigate reimbursement through staff development funds in your district). You must be a K-12 teacher in Minnesota, be teaching science next school year, and commit to attending all days of the workshop in order to qualify for participation.

To apply, click on the appropriate link below. If this is your first 2009 MnSTEP application, click on the "First time user account creation" link to create a Login ID and PIN. This ID and PIN will only be used during the application process. However, I encourage you to write down the ID and PIN should you decide to return to your application later or apply to a second MnSTEP institute this summer. The application Login ID and PIN is NOT the same as (if you already have them set up) your official Hamline ID number and Piperline PIN.

• Secondary Biology/Environmental Science Institute (grades 7-12)- July 20-24, 2009
  ***Institute is FULL but applications are still being accepted for the Waiting List. Space is available in other secondary institutes. Click here to be directed to the NW Region page for Inquiry.***
  
  Whitewater State Park (Altura, MN)
  Instructors Mike Link and Jeff Ranta
  
  Click for more information on Whitewater State Park. Vehicle permits are required while in the park and can be purchased at the park office.
  
  *OPTIONAL* OVERNIGHT LODGING -- Lodging will be available in cabins at Whitewater State Park for those who elect to stay overnight on site (check-in Mon, check-out Fri). Cost of lodging is not covered by the grant and will be paid by the participant. Total cost of housing and ALL meals will be $100 (same amount as stipend received after completing the course). If admitted, participants will have an opportunity to elect this option through Hamline University.
  
  Lodging is NOT available on Sunday night. If needed, participants must make arrangements on their own. We suggest camping at Whitewater State Park. Local hotels may also be available.
  
  
  
• Elementary Biology/Environmental Science Institute (grades K-6) - July 6-10, 2009
  Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (Lanesboro, MN)
  Instructors BJ Kohlstedt and Amanda Herrera-Gundale
  
  *OPTIONAL* OVERNIGHT LODGING -- More information available soon. Lodging will be available for those who elect to stay overnight on site. Cost of lodging is not covered by the grant and will be paid by the participant. In most cases the total cost for housing during the week is around $100 (same amount as stipend received after completing the course).

Space is limited, but spots still remain. Apply today!
Expect notification 2-3 weeks after submitting online application.

Any questions about MnSTEP and/or the application can be directed to:

Shawn Hubert, MnSTEP Administrator                                                                                    shubert01@hamline.edu 651-523-2846