1. Arkansas Science and Technology Authority Science Mini-Grant Program

2. Program Description The Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (Authority) Minigrant Program, funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, provides $500 awards to Arkansas public middle school teachers to purchase consumable items for student hands-on experiences in science. Teachers submit plans for hands-on student activities related to the Arkansas Department of Education Science Frameworks that require consumable materials. The award funds can be used for appropriate consumables or science kits. Classroom textbooks, paper products, and instrument purchases are not allowed.

3. The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Since 1974, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has supported programs and organizations that improve the quality of life for all Arkansans and that promote systemic change. In committing itself to this mission, the Foundation continues the progressive, cutting-edge visionary work that Gov. Rockefeller undertook in his personal life and philanthropy. For more information on the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, go to www.wrfoundation.org. www.wrfoundation.org

4. Arkansas public school teachers of science in grades 5 – 8 in schools that reside in the following counties are eligible for a Minigrant Program award from the Authority. ArkansasMadison BentonNevada BooneNewton BradleyPerry ClayPike ClevelandPoinsett CrawfordPolk CrittendenPrairie DallasRandolph DrewSaline FranklinScott Grant Searcy Hot SpringsStone IndependenceUnion JacksonVan Buren LafayetteWashington LawrenceWoodruff LoganYell Lonoke Teachers at schools in other counties must contact the Arkansas Community Foundation for application information.

5. Application Procedure Online application forms are available at the Authority website: http://asta.ar.gov/educators_mini_grant.htmlhttp://asta.ar.gov/educators_mini_grant.html The Minigrant application deadline is September 10, 2009. If more than one grade level is taught by the applicant, he/she may apply for multiple awards addressing science frameworks for each grade level. Each application should designate a different grade level and will be considered as completely separate proposals. Individual teachers may receive no more than three awards per year.

6. Proposal Writing Suggestions Be clear, consistent, and convincing Include Arkansas Science Frameworks Do not just include the SLE numbers Use 10 point font and single spacing Do not exceed the word limit for each section.

7. Project Plan Describe the plan for hands-on activities and the corresponding SLE that the purchased materials will support. Be sure to: Align goals and objectives to the frameworks. Justify how activities fit within the curriculum to meet the learning needs of all students. Describe how the activities are relevant and inquiry-based.

8. Metrics and Evaluation Describe how these activities are expected to result in a measurable change in students’ knowledge base ad interest in science. Be sure to: Describe the changes you expect to occur and how the changes will be assessed. Include formative and summative assessment plans, including individual activities as well as overall impact of the program.

9. Learning Needs Describe how the activities are expected to meet the learning needs of all participating students. Be sure to: Articulate your plans for differentiated instruction. Include research in your writing.

10. Additional Information Provide additional information that will further explain why your proposal should be funded. This may include classroom need based on demographics, disabilities, or disadvantages. Be sure to: Describe training that you may have had and how this grant supports this learning. Set yourself apart from the rest. What is it that makes your situation and needs unique?

11. Itemized Budget Be specific Order consumables or science kits Tie equipment needs to the project narrative Include shipping and tax if applicable

12. Proposal Review Process All sections must be completed. The applicant must have a current Arkansas teachers license. The activities should be inquiry-based, engaging, interesting, creative, innovative, or relate to current issues. The proposal should include evaluation measures, plans for addressing learning needs, indicate why the activities are needed, a budget that does not exceed $500.00. Classroom textbooks, paper products, and instrument purchases are not allowed.

13. Proposal Review Process “ The activity descriptions will be weighed more heavily than district needs or demographics. However, when project design is equal, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate greater classroom need based on demographics, disabilities, or disadvantages. The review committee will review all applications and evaluation priority for total award distribution across multiple grades”.

14. Award Guidelines State and local rules, regulations, and procedures governing this project have been and will be followed. If a school receives multiple awards, each award must be kept in a separate account by the school for audit purposes. The purchased materials will remain in the intended classroom or department. The school will notify ASTA of another teacher, named by the principal, to fulfill the intent of the project and to assume reporting responsibilities. An online report will be submitted to the Authority by June 1, 2010. This report will include a summary of student activities, demographic data and any other information requested by the Authority Board of Directors.

15. Award Guidelines The award funds may be used only for materials listed in the proposal budget and/or directly related to the activities described in the proposal. Should any publications or presentations result from a project, ASTA, NSF, and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation should be acknowledged and a copy of the publication should be forwarded to the Authority. ASTA staff or evaluators may contact a school and request an on-site visit with the teacher or principal.

16. Arkansas Community Foundation Grant Science Initiative for Middle Schools (SIMS) http://www.donorschoose.org/teachers/

17. How It Works Submit a Project It’s simple to register – tell us where you teach and confirm that you can receive our emails. Then upload a photo that provides a window into your classroom. And voilà! You’re ready to submit a project! Our system allows you to find what you need online, and you choose the exact materials you need for YOUR classroom. Next, you’ll aim to inspire donors by describing what you need, why you need it, and how your project will change your students' lives for the better. Donors Choose Every day projects are funded on our site, and yours could be next! Word to the wise: projects under $400 have the best chance of being funded. Check back often – a donor may leave a personal message for you and your classroom letting you know why he or she chose to give to your project. Send thanks If (dare we say when?) your project is funded, we ship the materials straight to your school. In return, you and your students will write thank-you letters and take photographs of the project in action. We’ll share your thanks with your donors, who love to see the impact of their gifts!