Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach

Vanderbilt Institute for STEM Education

2008-'09 Middle School Science Teacher Mini Grants

The Science Teacher Mini Grant program provides an opportunity to enrich science experiences for students and to recognize and reward outstanding middle school teachers in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. The program encourages innovative approaches to teaching and promotes creative ideas by funding academic projects not supported by school budgets. This program is not intended to replace other funding sources. Grant funds cannot be used specifically for purchase of equipment for the classroom, although materials necessary for development and implementation of the proposed project are allowed.

Funding for the 2008-2009 mini grant program will be provided by the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach (CSO).

Download a copy of the instructions and the application outline.

Eligibility

All middle school science teachers, grades 5-8, from Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools are eligible to apply. While more than one grant may be submitted, only one grant will be awarded per individual or team per year. Cross curriculum collaboration is especially encouraged.

Grant Amounts

Up to 10 awards will be granted per year with a maximum award of up to $1,000 per grant.

Timeline

  • Request for Proposals Released: October 21, 2008
  • Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on December 12, 2008
  • Announcement of Grant Awards: December 19, 2008
  • Project Evaluation and Reports Due: June 1, 2009
  • Project Presentation: June 3 and 4, 2008

Criteria

The CSO staff, consisting of scientists and educators, will review all applications. All grant applications will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Potential to make a significant impact on students, teachers, the school and community;
  2. Potential to improve student achievement;
  3. Demonstration of originality and innovation (ideas taken from other sources will not be considered);
  4. Potential to enhance instructional skills;
  5. Alignment of project objectives to the science curriculum standards;
  6. Potential for continuation or replication of project;
  7. Realistic budget; and
  8. Projects must be endorsed by the principal of the school.

Excluded Projects

Grant applications will not be considered for:

  1. Renovation of facilities;
  2. Religious activities or teachings;
  3. Equipment that is not an integral part of the project;
  4. Non-academic projects;
  5. Field trips;
  6. Professional development funds for teachers;
  7. Tuition costs for teachers; or
  8. Salaries or stipends for personnel.

Evaluation

Grantees must provide a written report to the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach at the conclusion of the project. The report must include a financial statement and narrative describing the project and how it benefited students and the teacher. Unused funds must be returned to the CSO at the end of the school year for which the grant was awarded.

Each grant award recipient will also be required to make a thirty minute presentation about their project to the CSO at the Scientist-in-the-Classroom Partnership program workshop on June 3 or 4, 2009. The project will also be made available on the CSO website.

Application

Download a copy of the instructions and the application outline.

  1. Applicant Information Cover Page (see outline on application)
  2. Project Summary (see outline on application)
  3. Proposal Narrative (see outline on application)
  4. Project Budget and Justification
    Itemize all project costs. List any other funding sources (parents, PTA, etc.).
  5. A brief letter of endorsement and authorization of project by the principal is required.
    The letter of support should be emailed directly to cso_mini_grants@vanderbilt.edu.
  • Note: All applications must be complete and received by 5:00 p.m. on December 12, 2008 for consideration.
  • Note: No mailed or faxed applications will be accepted.
  • Note: If emailing the grant application:
    • All applications received will be confirmed through email.
    • If you have not received a confirmation email by 3:00 p.m. on December 12, 2008, please ensure that your application was received by calling the Center for Science Outreach at 322-7140 before 5:00 p.m. on December 12, 2008.

Application Options

Please follow all instructions for sending in the completed application.

Download a copy of the instructions and the application outline.

  1. Email Application Materials to cso_mini_grants@vanderbilt.edu.
  2. Hand Deliver Completed Application Materials to the Center for Science Outreach in 806 Light Hall on the Vanderbilt Medical Center Campus.

For More Information, Contact

Jeannie Tuschl
Phone: (615) 322-7140
Email: via our Contact Us form


Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach | 806 Light Hall | Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0670
Phone: (615) 322-7140 | Fax: (615) 322-7169

The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach and its programs are funded by
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University,
and by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

About Us | Contact Us | ©2009 Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach