What is Science Institute?
Science Institute is an innovative professional development experience, where teachers will work with scientists and professionals from the Sam Noble Museum’s collections and the University of Oklahoma’s departments to build a deeper understanding of science in and around Oklahoma. Teachers will conduct authentic research both in the field and at the Sam Noble Museum, while learning how to utilize their research back in the classroom by developing technological resources and curricula. Science Institute will engage teachers:
- By working in unique research field sites across Oklahoma
- Working with scientists, educators, and other professionals from the Sam Noble Museum and the University of Oklahoma in the laboratories, collections, and classrooms of the museum
- By conducting authentic and meaningful research in both field sites and the museum, utilizing modern research methods and technologies.
- By using their research to assist in the development of curricula and web-based resources that can be utilized in both their own classrooms and the classrooms of educators across the state.
- By providing follow-up in the following year to review and analyze impact of participation, address any issues or questions, and develop ways to share their knowledge with other educators.
Fees
There is no cost to participants. Science Institute is sponsored in by the Sam Noble Museum and Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners through the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB). Participants are responsible for travel-related costs to and from the program, as well as any personal expenses.
Eligibility
Elementary, middle or high school teachers (K-12) from the state of Oklahoma. This includes public, private, homeschool, and non-traditional educators.
Participant Responsibilities:
- Complete the application process and submit application materials.
- Actively take part in the entire 4-day Science Institute (late arrivals/ early departures are not acceptable)
- Stay in the lodging provided by ExplorOlogy® (or guarantee your presence during the entire workshop)
- Participate in follow-up and assist in facilitation of distance learning activities at your school.
- Complete follow-up surveys concerning the implementation of inquiry and interpretation into your classroom.
Participants must also be aware and considerate of the physical requirements of the workshop. Participation will include time outside in heat and sun, walking over uneven terrain, occasional limit of restroom availability, and extended periods of sitting, standing and travel in vehicles. Science Institute will make every effort to ensure participants have the best possible experience, and we ask that participants contact program staff with any concerns prior to their participation.
Lodging.
Participants will be provided with lodging near the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman during Science Institute. Local participants may choose to commute to the workshop daily, if they are able to guarantee their presence for the entire workshop.
Food
Breakfast, lunch and light snacks will be provided Monday through Thursday. Any additional snacks or food will be the responsibility of the participant.
Stipend
Each teacher that attends the entire Science Institute 2020 will receive a stipend of $400 after completion of the workshop. No other travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Past Science Institutes: 2015, 2016
