Manitoba Scientists in the Classroom Grants 2009-2010

Would you like your students to get excited about a career in science?

Are you a Grade 5 to 10 teacher who wishes your students could better understand how the concepts they are learning in the classroom relate to the real world of science practice in the workplace?

Does the chance to provide your students with an opportunity to collaborate with someone who works in the field of science or technology* sound appealing?

*e.g. veterinary technician, nurse, engineer, laboratory technician, computer scientist

If you are interested, we invite you to apply for a grant that will help you accomplish these goals.

The Grants

Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth is introducing Scientists in the Classroom grants to support teachers in their efforts to collaborate with scientists who agree to engage with students in the classroom.

The grants, of up to $1,000.00, will cover expenses such as teacher release time for planning, professional development and teaching/learning resources. Specifically, they are intended to:

support schools in their efforts to encourage students to develop a critical sense of wonder and curiosity about scientific and technological endeavors
contribute to exemplary practices in science education
provide students with opportunities to interact with people working in the field of science

The Projects

Collaborating scientists must play a significant and active role in any proposed project. Further, the projects should:

be integrated in the curriculum - where learning about science in the real world is embedded in the science curriculum and is not a separate topic
help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills - where students develop a variety of skills required for scientific and technological inquiry in a meaningful context
be applicable - where curriculum content is linked to work done by a scientist
have a career focus - where local scientists are involved, allowing students to make connections with career opportunities within their community

Eligibility

All Grades 5 to 10 teachers in the English, Français or French Immersion programs in Manitoba public schools are eligible to apply.

Applications from urban, rural and public northern schools are encouraged.

At least twenty (20) projects will be selected and up to $1,000.00 will be awarded to each selected school to support the planning and implementation of a project meeting the criteria.

The project planning and teaching should be undertaken in 2009-2010.

Selection Criteria

Preference will be given to new or original projects. Further, the projects must:

include the direct involvement of the collaborating scientist with students
involve experiential or hands-on learning
be aligned with Manitoba science curriculum
involve students in solving problems, communicating scientific ideas and results, and making informed decisions

Applications

Application Form ( 181 KB)

Application deadline for a Manitoba Scientist in the Classroom grant is November 20, 2009.

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee including educators and Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth staff.

Successful applicants will be informed by December 11^th, 2009.

Mail, fax or email completed applications to:

Manitoba Scientists in the Classroom Grants
509-1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0T3
Fax: 204-945-1625
Email: daniele.dubois-jacques@gov.mb.ca

Contact

For further information, please contact John Murray, K-12 Science Consultant at 204-945-7899.