2012 Science Teacher Grant Program Opens
Applications for the 2012 Vernier/NSTA Technology Award program are now being accepted. Sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association and Vernier Software and Technology, the program awards cash, technology, and travel funds for science teachers who demonstrate innovation in inquiry-based learning activities involving data collection. Vernier is a manufacturer of instruments and software designed for scientific data collection.
This year's competition will award up to seven prizes to K-12 and post-secondary educators (one elementary, two middle school, three high school, and one post-secondary educator). The prizes, valued at $3,000, include $1,000 cash, $1,000 in Vernier equipment, and up to $1,000 for travel expenses put toward attending the NSTA National Conference.
"Having students participate in hands-on, data-collection activities truly engages them in the science investigation and discovery process," said David Vernier, co-founder of , in a prepared statement. "This awards program provides a great opportunity for educators who are actively and creatively teaching STEM education through these types of activities to be recognized and awarded for their efforts."
According to Vernier, successful applicants will enter projects involving hands-on, inquiry-based learning and data collection using computers and handheld devices, such as Vernier LabQuest. Entries will be judged by an NSTA-appointed panel.
Entries for the 2012 competition are due Nov. 30, 2011. Further information about the competition, including requirements and an online application, as well as details on past winners, can be found on the award program site.