1 Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers Georgia Teachers in Academic Laboratories: Research Experiences in the Geosciences Donna Barrett Georgia Institute of Technology December 6, 2005

2 Experience 4 – 8 Week Summer Internship for Teachers Corporate and University Settings “Real World” problem solving and reasoning Development of Inquiry Based Unit – Action Plan Stipend: $5000 for 7 week experience Goal: a systemic change that leads to students being better prepared for the workforce and higher education

3 Begin in 1991 with assistance from Industry Initiatives in Science & Mathematics (IISME) and the Triangle Coalition teachers per summer 668 teachers in 1089 positions History

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5 Goals Increase student achievement Motivate and encourage more students to study science, mathematics, and technology Encourage inquiry-based learning Increase teacher’s personal knowledge base of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics Establish partnerships with teachers, businesses and universities

6 Program Details 3 Types of Internships –Corporate –Curriculum Development –University Research: Traditional, International, Experiences with High School Students Facilitators Advisory Board Professional Learning Community

7 Program Structure Online application process Online matching process Teacher & Mentor Orientations GIFT Teacher works with a Mentor Small and large group summer meetings Establishment of a professional learning community

8 Action Plan Needs Assessment Implementation Plan –Teaching & Learning Goals –Inquiry Based Activities –Evaluation Plan GIFT Work Experience Summary Portfolio Communication Plan

9 Program Evaluation Series of Surveys: Teacher Fellows & Mentors NSF-SWEPT Study Horizon Evaluation Upcoming: GIFT Alumni Survey Focus Group Discussions Literature Review of Best Practices

Geosciences Experiences Middle School Earth Science Teachers –Aerospace Engineering (1) –Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (3) High School Teachers with High School Students –Teams of 3 High School Students (2) –In conjunction with STEP/Siemen’s Program –Geochemistry –Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

11 High School Teacher & Student Team

12 Teacher Interviews Have you maintained contact with your mentor? What do you consider to be the primary benefit of your participation as a mentor in the program? Action Plan Implementation

13 Mentor Interviews Have you maintained contact with your fellow during the school year? What do you consider to be the primary benefit of the GIFT research experience for teachers? For you as a mentor? Do you consider GIFT to be valuable to the scientific community?

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15 Research Experience Video