Young Researchers Collaborative 2014-2015 Tier 2 Program Application for Middle School Science Teachers We are very excited to announce the third year of Tier 2 of Young Researchers Collaborative for past YRC participants. The goals of the program are to: Support teachers in conducting inquiry- based science activities aligned with classroom curriculum Support teachers in making connections between classroom curriculum and research at Support students in the development of independent research skills Provide students with inquiry- based data- collection experiences aligned with the work of zoo researchers About YRC Tier 2 The YRC program is designed to not only provide programmatic content to teachers and their students, but also to provide teachers with the tools and expertise necessary to replicate YRC programming throughout the rest of their teaching careers. Tier 2 aims to bridge the gap between the tight zoo- classroom collaboration inherent in the first year of participation in YRC and the completely independent facilitation by teachers that may occur after participation in the program. In order to move teachers towards this completely independent facilitation, Tier 2 uses a less- structured, reduced program model while still encouraging participants to build their skills in inquiry- based science. Contact and support from the zoo will be at a minimal level in order to foster independent application of the teaching methods, skills, and content knowledge gained in YRC. The advantages of participating in Tier 2 are: A flexible model that enables teachers to integrate YRC curriculum in their own way and at their own pace. In this way, Tier 2 allows teachers to use the YRC content as enhancements to their planned curriculum, rather than a full- fledged component. Access to new tools and resources, including field cameras, ipads, and classroom backpacks containing lesson plans and materials. Fellowship and collaboration with other teachers participating in both Tiers of the YRC program. Tier 2 differs from Tier 1 in that there is one zoo visit provided, no classroom visits provided and a school- based Science Celebration. Be aware that as a Tier 2 teacher, you will gain access to more tools and resources from the zoo but fewer facilitated exercises for you and your students. This FREE program incorporates a research model including observation, data collection/analysis and dissemination on school grounds and at the zoo. Due to high demand and limited availability of spots, we want to make sure that those teachers who choose to participate will be able to follow through with the full program. We encourage science teachers to participate with as many as four science classes/periods. The program begins in mid August; teachers must take part in the first professional development workshop on August 30. Student involvement with the program will begin with the school year in late August. Please review the program with your school administrator and return this application by May 30, 2014.
The program will consist of the following: Two Professional Development Workshops Time Commitment: 2 full days Time Frame: Saturday, August 30, 2014 and Saturday, February 7, 2015 During these interactive workshops, teachers will receive an overview of Tier 2 and Tier 2 components, supplementary information on research possibilities and extension activities, necessary materials to participate in program components, time to collaborate with fellow participants, and a chance to learn more about the animals and researchers at the zoo. The second workshop will be conducted in conjunction with Tier 1 teachers, with whom Tier 2 teachers will have a chance to communicate and mentor. Attendance at workshops is required. In the unlikely event that a workshop must be rescheduled, please note that workshops may take place during either school or non- school hours. During school hours, funding for an external substitute will be provided. During non- school hours, a stipend will be provided. We will also provide parking, a light breakfast, and lunch for the day. Field Camera Coaching Session at School Time Commitment: 1 after- school meeting Time Frame: September November To aid in student research, teachers will receive a field camera and accessories to capture urban wildlife in their schoolyards. A zoo educator will conduct one after school visit to provide participating teachers with coaching on camera usage and set- up. One Field Trip to Time Commitment: 1- day field trip for each participating class Time Frame: September May, as schedule allows All participating students are required to visit the zoo once in order to conduct research on a zoo animal of their choice. The visit will be partially facilitated by a zoo educator while the other portion will give students a chance to collect data using the zoo s ipads and data sheets for their final research project. Participating schools will receive up to four free field trip buses and additional funds to cover an external substitute for two days. Zoo visits will be scheduled with the zoo educator via our web- registration platform. However, teachers will get to schedule specific days that work with their schedule. Up to three classes per day can be accommodated. If a teacher has more than three classes, their visit must span multiple days and the participating teacher must attend all days of the field trip. If teachers need to change the date of their visit, they must do so at least a week before the actual scheduled trip. Due to the limited dates available for field trips, there may not be time to reschedule additional trips that are cancelled after the deadline. Therefore, if a teacher needs to reschedule after the deadline, the visit may be subject to cancellation. Ongoing Research on School Grounds Time Commitment: 15 20 hours per class between October and April Time Frame: September May, ongoing
Students will be expected to conduct ongoing research and analysis at school. One to two hours per month of class time to focus on research, analysis and dissemination will be expected from each student. Individual data collection outside of school hours is encouraged but not required. Teachers will receive practical support and necessary materials for leading research and analysis during the professional development sessions. Teachers will also receive support in aligning this research with existing science curriculum. Animal- based check- out kits are available to participating teachers for use in the classroom. These kits contain a variety of curriculum resources and biomaterials, such as pelts, skulls, feathers and claws. Working Groups Time Commitment: 2 3 hour sessions for the teacher Time Frame: December and May Participating teachers will come together during these out- of- school- time working groups to discuss their implementation of the Tier 2 model, challenges they face, and potential extensions to the program. These collaborative sessions are a time for teachers to collaborate and brainstorm together, and therefore include only minimal facilitation from a zoo educator. Teachers are encouraged to bring curriculum materials with them to share and build upon in this time. Attendance at the working groups is optional. We will provide parking and some light snacks. School Science Celebration Time Commitment: 1 2 hour session for the teacher and students Time Frame: May We encourage participants to celebrate students success through a school- based Science Celebration in spring of 2015. Each participating teacher is expected to conduct an event, project display gallery, or student presentations at their school where participants will have the opportunity to share their discoveries with each other, members of the school faculty, and fellow students as well as visiting zoo educators. The zoo will provide the schools with the poster boards needed to complete this component. If you would like to participate with your classes, please complete the entire application page and return to Sarah Miller, Student Programs Coordinator, by May 30, 2014. The applicant s school must be within the city of Chicago. During the selection process, preference is given to those from schools that are part of Chicago Public Schools. Selected applicants will be notified by June 6, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Miller at: 312-742- 2051 or yrc@lpzoo.org.
Young Researchers Collaborative 2014 2015 Tier 2 Program Application Part I: School Information School Name: CPS Network: School Address: School Phone #: School Fax: Number of hours each middle school student receives in science instruction, per week: Grade Levels to Participate: Number of Classes to Participate: Part II: Educator Information Teacher s Name: CPS Email: Cell/Home Phone: Alternate Email: Phone number where you can be reached during the summer: Are you the primary science teacher of participating classes? [ ] Yes Number of years you have been teaching science: Have you received science endorsements? [ ] Yes Are you highly qualified in science? [ ] Yes What is your background in science?
Part III: Commitment to Program By initialing/signing below you have reviewed the program components and time commitment and agree to participate in the Young Researchers Collaborative for the 2014-2015 school year. [ ] Two professional development workshops Saturday, August 30, 2014 & Saturday, February 7, 2015 [ ] One field trip to [ ] Ongoing research on school grounds [ ] Coaching session on field camera at school site Teacher Signature Date [ ] YES, has my support to participate in the program. I have reviewed the program components and time commitment and will provide the needed support for my staff and students to participate in all aspects of the program. School Administrator Printed Name Date School Administrator Signature Part IV: Statement of Interest As we can only accommodate six teachers this year, we are interested in partnering with teachers who are as excited to work with us as we are to work with them. Please attach a brief written statement, letting us know how you plan to implement the YRC program this year and why you would like to participate in Tier 2. What kind of support do you believe the program can offer you to further your students inquiry- based research skills? Part IV: Submit Materials Please mail/email/fax completed application form and statement of interest to: Sarah Miller Student Programs Coordinator 2150 N. Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: 312-742- 2051 Fax: 312-589- 7177 Email: yrc@lpzoo.org