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• Do you teach science, math, or computers in a middle, junior, or senior high school?
• Are you looking for an exciting and professionally rewarding summer?
• Would you like some hands-on, real-world research experience?
• Why not join the Arkansas STRIVE program?
BACKGROUND
The Arkansas STRIVE program will place you and other science, math, and computer teachers into summer research positions in industries, businesses, government agencies, universities, research facilities, and nonprofit organizations. You will work beside professional scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology experts and engage in valuable research and development activities that broaden and deepen your scientific and technological knowledge. You also will participate in curriculum development workshops in which you learn to use the research experiences in your classroom.
The Arkansas STRIVE program was founded in 1990. Since STRIVE began, 581 teachers have enjoyed summer research positions. We expect to place up to 40 teachers in research positions in 2008.
OBJECTIVES
• To enhance the professional growth of Arkansas math, computer, and science teachers.
• To provide teachers with hands-on, real-world research experiences that expand their scientific and technological knowledge.
• To apply the newly acquired knowledge in the classroom and enrich the education of students.
• To develop teachers' abilities to use inquiry-based and problem-based teaching.
• To increase the technological knowledge of students and their interests in careers in science, math, and technology.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
• From June 9 - August 1, 2008:
-- seven weeks of summer research.
-- one week of curriculum development workshops.
• A summer stipend of $4500.
• Travel monies for participants who must commute long distances.
• 60 hours of professional development (in-service) credit, including 18 technology hours.
• 6 hours of graduate credit (optional).
• Guidance in developing inquiry-based and problem- based lessons.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
You will be assigned to a research facility in Arkansas for a seven-week period. You will work closely with a professional staff person at the facility and gain new knowledge in science and technology through hands-on research experience. In the summer, you also will spend a week attending workshops on using inquiry and problem-solving teaching approaches, and on computer data analysis. You will develop lesson plans based on your summer experiences that you can incorporate into your classes. In the fall, you will work with a five-member STRIVE team consisting of teachers from your school and recommend curriculum changes or improvements.
You will also:
• Maintain a daily log on your research.
• Make slides or videos and give an oral presentation on your project.
• Attend two workshops on inquiry and problem-solving, and on computer data analysis.
• Develop classroom and curriculum materials that transfer your newly acquired knowledge to students and colleagues.
• Meet with your STRIVE advisory team during the summer and fall to discuss ways of implementing your new experiences into the classroom.
• Attend a recognition banquet to honor your achievements, your mentors' guidance, and your sponsor's contributions.
SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT
A committee will evaluate your skills, your academic work, and whether your achievements and professional development are commensurate with your years of teaching experience. We will match your educational background and research interests with the interests and needs of the research facility. You will also be assigned to a facility as close as possible to your home.
ELIGIBILITY
• Must be employed now by an Arkansas school district and for 2008-2009.
• Must be a full-time teacher in a middle, junior high, or senior high school.
• Must be certified in and primarily teach science, math, or technology.
• Must not have participated recently in Arkansas STRIVE (2003-2007).
APPLICATION INFORMATION (Staff):
Dr. Jim Winter or Dr. Janet Lanza
Arkansas STRIVE Program
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S. University Ave.
215 Fribourgh Hall
Little Rock, AR 72204-1099
Telephone: 501/569-8069
FAX: 501/569-3271
jdwinter@ualr.edu or jxlanza@ualr.edu
www.ualr.edu/strive
The application deadline for the 2008 Arkansas STRIVE Program is Friday, February 8, 2008.
RECENT RESEARCH SITES
- Acxiom
- Albemarle Corporation
- Arkansans for Drug-free Youths
- Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
- Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
- Arkansas Department of Higher Education
- Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative
- Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
- Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
- Arkansas Public Schools Computer Network
- Arkansas State Parks Division
- Arkansas State University
- Ciba Specialty Chemicals
- City of Lonoke
- Crossett Chamber of Commerce
- Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center
- Darling Store Fixtures
- Entergy
- Environmental Services Company
- Fort Smith Tourism Bureau
- Georgia Pacific
- Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
- Harding University
- Harris Hospital
- Henderson State University
- IMPAC Learning Systems, Inc.
- National Center for Toxicological Research
- Nat. Resource Conservation Service
- National Rice Research Center
- Nature Conservancy
- North Central Education Service Center
- NW Arkansas Solid Waste Mgmt. District
- Ouachita National Forest
- Ouachita Technical College
- Ozark Health Medical Center
- Ozark Unlimited Resources Cooperative
- Paragould City Light and water
- Reynolds Metals Company
- SGL Technics, Inc.
- Southern Arkansas University
- Springdale Public Schools
- Tyson Foods
- U.S. Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- University of Arkansas, Cotton Branch Station
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- University of Arkansas, Soil Testing Lab
- University of Central Arkansas
- Weyerhaeuser
- White River Medical Center
- Workforce Investment Board
This project is support by the State of Arkansas, the No Child Left Behind Program, and Arkansas Organizations.