ISTAR- Idaho Science Teachers as Researchers

The Idaho Science Teachers as Researchers program (ISTAR) provides junior high and high school educators with an opportunity to increase science classroom skills by participating in state-of-the-art research and development through direct interaction with University of Idaho scientists, engineers, technicians, and educational specialists.  Activities incorporated into the program help educators adapt their new research content knowledge, experience, and materials into their specific educational situations. [Highlight from ISTAR 2002]

Selected participants will spend six weeks at the University of Idaho in Moscow.  A $4,500 stipend will be paid to successful applicants to cover travel expenses, housing, meals, and their time during the six-week program.  In addition, up to three continuing education credits my be earned by participants.

Eligibility

All applicants should:
1. Be a certified science or mathematics teacher in Idaho;
2. Instruct science and/or mathematics full-time in a public or private school in Idaho;
3. Have a minimum of five years teaching experience;
4. Instruct science and/or mathematics at the seventh through twelfth grade level.

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Goals and Objectives

ISTAR participants will:

• Conduct scientific research in UI facilities with UI science and engineering researchers;

• Examine topics related to their content area and to current research in science education and curriculum development;

• Share their teaching experience and ideas with other applicants in seminar series;

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Available Areas of Research

Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Forest Resources, Geology, Physics, Geography/GIS, Water Resources, and more.

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Sponsors

The ISTAR program is sponsored by the NSF Idaho EPSCoR program and implemented in cooperation with the Institute for Mathematics, Interactive Technologies, and Science (IMITS).

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For More Information or Application Contact:

Timothy Ewers
ISTAR Program Manager
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-3082
tewers@uidaho.edu
208-885-9149

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Highlight from ISTAR 2002

I found this program revitalizing for me. It was great to be able to share ideas and information.  The program was well organized.  There was a good mix of academics and activities.  There were great opportunities for learning and discussion.  There was a lot of information packed into the time we had.  It was difficult, yet rewarding. 

This year I incorporated what we did this summer into several of the topics I cover in biology.  We do a unit on water quality and stream monitoring.  During this unit I showed slides and shared the experiences of the summer.  We also used some of the data collected over the summer to make graphs and do some statistical calculations.  I think it makes the data more relevant to students if they know it is actual data from a place they have heard about or even been to.

The ISTAR program that I participated in was amazing. It is one of the best programs I have ever experienced.  I was truly honored to have participated.

--Shaun Bass

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