BioME (Biodiversity from Molecules to Ecosystems) places University of Arizona life sciences graduate students into K-12 classrooms. Funded by the National Science Foundation, BioME creates one-year partnerships between life science graduate students and K-12 science teachers, each sharing different perspectives and expertise. Through the program, fellows will become better communicators of scientific concepts and methods, while teachers and their students will benefit from enriched science content and develop a better understanding of the process of scientific research.
RESPONSIBILITIES & BENEFITS:
BioME graduate fellows attend a weekly seminar course, participate in a week-long Summer Institute, and work with their teacher partners throughout the school year (~15 hours per week). Fellows help plan science units and projects, assist with lesson development and implementation and guide students in inquiry-based activities and research projects.
Benefits include:
- $30,000 stipend, plus additional funds for university fees and benefits.
- New approaches and strategies designed to improve teaching and communication skills.
- A broader understanding of K-12 education.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must be enrolled in a University of Arizona graduate program in the biological sciences. Students enrolled in science education graduate programs are not eligible.
- Applicants must be citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States. Foreign students who hold student visas are not eligible.
- Applicants must have completed one two years of research by the start of the Fall 2009 semester. Priority will be given to students who have advanced to candidacy. Master's student applicants must have completed one year of research by Fall 2009.
- Applicants should have access to a car, as many schools are located at a considerable distance from the UA.
Questions about the BioME graduate fellowship? Please contact Kathleen Walker (krwalker@ag.arizona.edu)