Please read the following information before completing your TIMES application.
The TIMES Project has an eight-year record of success in helping teachers experience the “science” in earth science and bringing this experience to their teaching. TIMES is an exciting opportunity for you to experience Minnesota geology first-hand, study the geology of your region, work with a variety of scientists who are experts in Minnesota geology and field research, bring local examples of geology to your classroom, and expand your own curriculum to incorporate more student-directed investigations and learning.
With 11 projects over the last eight years, TIMES has visited every region of Minnesota, and now returns for a second time to Northeastern Minnesota with a new TIMES XII Project at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Earth science teachers in Northeastern Minnesota should take advantage of this once-in-a-career opportunity to experience the geology of their region. TIMES has involved over 160 earth science teachers from throughout Minnesota, many of whom are now leaders in Minnesota science education, and all of whom sing the praises of this experiential, inquiry-based, two-week summer field experience.
Teachers participating in the TIMES Project will receive:
• training in regional earth science and field research techniques, observation, and analysis
• time to design a field investigation for your students that matches your curriculum
• bus reimbursement for your school, if your field work with students is off-campus
• lunch each day during the institute, and dinner (if we work late or you stay on campus)
• lodging with meals at site TBD (week one) and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (week two), if requested.
• four graduate semester credits
• $500 stipend, resource materials, and
• the chance to ride around in vans and talk about geology for two weeks!
Please note the following:
• We are looking for earth science teachers who wish to grow professionally and are willing to experience and use inquiry approaches in their classroom. We want leaders – teachers who are willing to learn and share their experiences with other teachers and students.
• The project is designed to build content understanding and enthusiasm for earth science regardless of your background in geology. We are especially interested in applicants who are new to teaching earth science and have not had many college-level geology courses or those who are teaching earth science on a variance; but all levels of experience are invited to apply. The final group will be a mix of teaching experience.
• Teachers must attend both weeks of the institute in its entirety – June 16-20 & June 23-27, 2008, at site TBD (week one) and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (week two). Most days will finish at 5:00 pm, but two nights each week, we may go as late as 8:00 pm. We will need your flexibility. Sometimes it will not be possible to end at 5:00 pm due to travel time and field work.
• There will be two Saturday follow-up sessions – one in fall and one in spring. Dates to be determined by the group.
• Priority for acceptance is given to ES teachers from the Northeast region of Minnesota, but ES teachers from any part of the state may apply. Teachers working on their 5-8 science or high school earth science teaching license will also receive priority in the selection process. Past TIMES teachers who participated in another TIMES region may apply for TIMES XII, but you must “fly standby”. Past TIMES teachers will only be admitted if the program is not filled by new applicants.
• All teachers must commit to conducting at least one field investigation with their students next school year using techniques learned during the institute. Limited bus reimbursement funds are available through the grant, or your field site can be on school grounds.
• Teachers will be asked to assess students during the school year to show that their involvement in the TIMES Project has had an effect on student achievement.
To apply, click on the link below. If this is your first 2008 MnSTEP application, you will be asked to create a Login ID and PIN. Be sure to write down the ID and PIN you create. You will need it should you decide to apply to a second MnSTEP institute this summer.
TIMES XII Project FULL - June 16-20 and 23-27, 2008; host site University of Minnesota-Duluth (week one will originate from Fond Du Lac Community College); Instructors Jim Miller, Penny Morton, and Lee Schmitt.
The TIMES XII Project is FULL. Please visit another region for additional secondary workshops.
Any questions about MnSTEP, TIMES, and/or the application can be directed to:
Shawn Hubert, MnSTEP Administrator
shubert01@hamline.edu 651-523-2846
