Arizona Partners in Science F.A.Q.'s
Q1. This program sounds really interesting! How do I learn more?
A1. The Partners in Science program is a wonderful way to get your hands into real scientific research and get an experience that will benefit you and your students. But it is a partnership, and the application needs to come from the University Researcher. In order to partner with a researcher, you need to contact them first and tell them why you want to be involved in their project. This is not hard, and the researcher in the program will also benefit from your help! To contact a researcher, e-mail the University representative, Dr. Lisa Elfring (elfring@email.arizona.edu) and express your interest in a certain field or subject. She will then give you a list of names of researchers who have agreed to form a partnership. You then contact the researcher of your choice (there may be more than one to choose from) and begin your relationship. Once that relationship is established, fill out the brief application on the Research Corporation web site. That's all there is to it!
Q2. I can't work all summer due to an all-year-round school schedule, or other personal or professional obligations. Can I still get involved?
A2. Yes. That is why we want a partnership: you will each have certain requirements and expectations about the work, and the more you know about each other going into the program, the better the partnership will work. Many researchers will work with your schedule, although you should be able to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks of lab/field work each year. But this may not have to be all in one block, so busy schedules may be able to be accommodated.
Q3. What product is expected of me?
A3. Teachers selected will be expected to present their research at an annual national conference each year in San Diego. After your first season you will prepare a poster detailing your research. Your university mentor will usually be able to help you with this. After the second summer, you will be asked to give a 20 minute presentation to other teachers about your research. The Partners in Science award will cover all expenses associated with attending this conference. And of course, you will be expected to incorporate your research into the courses you teach.
Q4. What about this conference in San Diego? Do I have to go? How much is it? When is it?
A4. The Partners in Science conference is held annually for teachers and university researchers who have worked together on many different projects. It is a great opportunity to see what other science teachers have done in the program and participation in the conference is a required part of the program. The estimated $1,000 cost is included as part of your award. The conference usually takes place at the San Diego Hilton, and is well attended by teachers and researchers in the North Western states, New York and neighboring states, and Arizona. Keynote speakers are excellent and cover a variety of topics, and there are seminars and workshops on teaching techniques and new ideas that you will enjoy. Social events such as tours of the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and other San Diego attractions are also part of the program. Dinners are included, and families are welcome.
The conference is sponsored by the Murdock Trust group based in Vancouver, WA. It is always held the weekend of Martin Luther King Day. Dates for 2009 are January 16-18. For more information on the conference, see the Murdock Trust Partners in Science web site (http://www.murdock-trust.org/grants/partners-science.php).
Q5. I'm a middle school science teacher - can I still participate?
A5. Although the program was designed for high school teachers, middle school teachers are certainly welcome and encouraged to form a partnership. Although most participants have an undergraduate major or advanced coursework in the chosen research area, do not feel that you need to be an expert in the specific subject of study. Please keep in mind that you will be working with university undergrads and grad students who will be able to help you with new techniques and concepts. So don't let possible intimidation keep you from applying! This is your chance to learn a lot.
Q6. I know someone at the University and would like to work with them in their lab. How can I arrange that?
A6. Have the researcher get in touch with Dr. Lisa Elfring (elfring@email.arizona.edu) and express their interest in having you work with them in the Partners in Science program. Some very strong partnerships have come from teachers and researchers who have already formed a friendship or working relationship.
Q7. What areas of research are available at the University?
A7. The research subjects will vary each year. This year, there are available partnerships in Chemistry, Biology (all sorts of Biology), Geography, and Remote Sensing. Additional university faculty are still joining the program, so the list is not inclusive or static. If you do not see something you would be suited for, contact Dr. Silvia Ronco (RCSA, Program Officer) or Dr. Elfring to explore other possibilities. Alternatively, contact a University researcher and tell them about the program and offer to help them with their research. Keep in mind that you provide a free and competent research partner for them, and usually they are really excited to bring you onto their project.
Q8. How many partnerships are going to be formed this year? Will the program still be open next year?
A8. This year (2008-2009) is the first year in many years that teachers in Tucson and Southern Arizona have been able to apply to the program. This year we expect to approve 6 to 8 partnerships. The program has already proved its worth, and Research Corporation for Science Advancement is committed to continuing the program if it proves successful in Southern Arizona. There are plans to expand the program to other Universities in Arizona next year.
Q9. Is housing available in the University area while I'm working on the project?
A9. Unfortunately, we are not able to make housing arrangements. It is best if you are close enough to be able to commute to the UA each day. Alternatively, you could arrange your own housing or stay with a friend in Tucson during the weeks that you will be doing research.
Q10. If I still have questions, who can I call or e-mail?
A10. You can contact the people listed below. Also check out the Research Corporation and Murdock Trust web pages to get a better understanding of the program.
Don Adams
Vail High School (Science teacher)
520-879-1906
Dr. Lisa Elfring
University of Arizona, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Associate Professor.
520-621-1671
Dr. Silvia Ronco
Program Officer, Research Corporation for Science Advancement
520-571-1111 ext. 6814