Applications received by
April 15 are given priority.
What are you doing this summer? Why not spend a few weeks brushing up on your science knowledge and get free graduate credits while you’re at it?
Summer Science Discovery offers elementary and secondary teachers a chance to spend time in the classroom and in the field with University scientists and faculty, experienced K-12 teachers, and peers.
Earn graduate credit through engaging, hands-on classes in plant science, insect ecology, biotechnology and a range of other topics. Best of all, most courses are free and include a stipend—even room and board in some cases.
The benefits continue well beyond the last day of class, too. You’ll take away lots of great materials to use with your own students. Not to mention the lasting connections to University of Minnesota researchers and resources that you will make.
You’ll leave with a great retort to the age-old query about how you spent your summer, along with loads of new knowledge and techniques to bring back to your classroom.
| Course | Grades | 2009 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Monarchs & More: Insect Ecology for Grades K–6 | K–6 | July 6–10
+ July 27–31 |
| PSI Minnesota (Plant Science Investigation) | K–6 | July 13–24 |
| Inquiring Minds: Itasca Field Biology | K–6 | July 6–16 |
| Advanced Nanotechnology Education | 7–12 | July 27–31 |
| Evolution, Controversy and Standards | 7–12 | August 3–14 |
| Investigating Environment to Understand Concepts in Science | K–8 | June 16–18 + July 7–10 + July 21–23 |
| Renewable Energy and Bioproducts | 6–12 | June 23–July 2 |
| Schoolyard Ecology Explorations for Secondary Teachers | 6–12 | July 6–10 + July 27–31 |
| BrainU: Classroom Investigations of the Brain & How It Changes with Learning and Drugs | 7–12 | August 3–14 |
K12@U is a new University of Minnesota Web site designed to help students discover opportunities, families find summer camps and exciting spots to visit around the U campuses. It also points preK-12 educators and administrators toward innovative classroom resources and high-quality professional development. Check it out! www.k12.umn.edu
August 10–14, 2009 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul
Instructor: Pete Cleary, Dodge Nature Center
www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org
Participants will learn about the Big Woods, Big Rivers biome of Minnesota. Class will include basics about geology, ecology, wildlife, plants, aquatic ecosystems and cultural information. Each day will include classroom and field experiences. Graduates are asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer service upon completion of the class. As a teacher, you may also be able to create volunteer projects for others in your class.
Scholarships are available by calling 1-888-241-4532. Participants will receive a textbook—Minnesota Master Naturalist Big Woods, Big Rivers—and a field guide to Minnesota trees.
