OMSI-OSTA Teacher-In-Residence Program

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This proposal is a collaborative effort between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) designed to enhance K-8 science through two major initiatives: 1) a ten month teacher-in- residence (TIR) program at the Museum that will utilize a sabbatical-leave staff development design (4 teachers/year for a total of 12 over three years), and 2) a two-week (60- 80 hours) Summer Institute for K-8 Oregon teachers (30/year for a total of 90 over three years) conducted by project staff and TIRs; the Institute program will incorporate TIRs' experiences of the past year at the Museum and will utilize Museum facilities and professional support. As part of the their sabbatical application to participate in the Teacher- in-Residence plan, prospective TIRs will be expected to develop with their administrators a dissemination plan for their home school districts. This project is appropriate for the Teacher Enhancement Program because it (1) is designed to enhance the science knowledge and teaching of leader teachers through a year- long emersion in the informal science environment of a museum as well as through academic courses in science content and methodology; (2) contains an amplification plan which will involve the TIRs both in a summer institute for 30 teachers from throughout the state, and in ongoing support within their districts throughout the year; and (3) serves as a model for an alternative and innovative means to teacher enhancement in K-8 science education. The non-NSF cost sharing amount is approximately 26% of the amount requested from NSF.