BSCS | High School Field Test Teachers Needed for Nanoscience...

High School Field Test Teachers Needed for Nanoscience Unit

High School Field Test Teachers Needed for Nanoscience Unit

Application deadline is March 1, 2008

BSCS seeks high school physical and biological science teachers to field test a two-chapter nanoscience unit. The unit will focus on the fundamental science principles behind nanotechnology. Chapter 1 has a physical science focus: the objective is to reinforce some fundamentals of science at the atomic level that are basic to nanotechnology. While students are expected to be familiar with some principles of chemistry and physics, this chapter will help reinforce them in a nano-context. Chapter 2 has a biological science focus: students will have the opportunity to explore innovative uses and applications of nanotechnologies in fields such as medicine. The two-chapter unit is written for upper level high school students (grades 11-12). The unit will ultimately be a supplement to the curriculum BSCS Science: An Inquiry Approach, Level 3.

Field-test sites are chosen using a variety of criteria, including location, ethnic and cultural diversity, and the teacher’s professional experience. Field test teachers will attend a two-day orientation in April, 2008, at BSCS in Colorado Springs. Travel, lodging, and meals will be provided. In addition, field test teachers will receive a $700 stipend: $350 following the orientation, and $350 following receipt of evaluation materials. After completing orientation, teachers will field test the two-chapter nanoscience unit in their classrooms. Each chapter is scheduled to last approximately two weeks on a traditional (50-55 minute) schedule. The field test process involves:

administering pre- and post-tests
teaching both chapters of the curriculum
allowing BSCS writers to observe classrooms during the field test
providing BSCS writers with completed student work
answering questions about each activity in an online survey

Field tests of materials will begin the last week of April, 2008 and will continue through the end of May, 2008.

The deadline for submitting the application is March 1, 2008.

Before applying, please note the following:

Field testing requires 20 to 25 class days on a traditional schedule.
Primary field test teachers are expected to attend an orientation workshop in Colorado Springs for two days in April, 2008 (travel expenses are covered).
Field testing will take place during April and May, 2008.
Primary and secondary field test teachers are expected to submit evaluation materials to BSCS in June 2008.
Primary field test teachers receive a stipend of $700 ($350 at the orientation workshop and $350 following receipt of evaluation materials).

Individuals who are not selected as primary field test teachers may still participate as secondary field test teachers. Secondary field test teachers do not attend the orientation workshop but receive materials by mail. We intend to select our field test sites in early March, so please submit the online application by March 1, 2008.

Thank you for your interest in helping produce innovative curricular materials!

If you have questions, please contact Susan Kowalski at skowalski@bscs.org or 719.531.5550 x148.