The Marine Technology for Teachers and Students (MaTTS) Project, based at the University of Rhode Island’s Inner Space Center and the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus, will be accepting high school teachers for a year-long professional development opportunity. The project focuses on providing opportunities for teachers and students to experience new technologies related to exploring the global ocean and discover pathways to marine careers using these new tools. Participating teachers will engage colleagues and students at their school, receive training, and gain experience in marine and ocean science technologies.

Eligibility

• Currently employed high school teacher
  • Preference will be given to those districts who have agreements with the MaTTS Project.
• U.S. citizen
• High school teachers willing to mentor colleagues and provide guidance to student leaders

Activities

• Direct, face-to-face teacher professional development with ocean scientists at both the University of Rhode Island and the University of Connecticut.
• Virtual contact in the classroom with ocean scientists and oceanographic expeditions using webinar and telepresence technologies.
• Summer institute for teacher/student teams, including the building and deploying of sensor based instruments (hydrophones, remotely operated vehicles, and observational buoys), field exercises, and career building activities.
• After school Science Cafes for teachers and students.

Teacher Leader Benefits

• Receive in-depth content and technology instruction tied to Next Generation Science Standards
• Learn to incorporate marine technology-related, hands-on activities in the classroom
• Gain awareness of marine technology and where it can be used/deployed in regional ecosystems
• Develop techniques to teach students and peers how to build and implement marine technologies
• Become knowledgeable of marine and technical careers
• Gain mentoring and leadership skills
• Receive $1,000 stipend

Time Commitment

Professional Development Training

• Orientation meeting, February 13, 2016
• Three Saturdays over Spring 2016
• Two Saturdays over Fall 2016

Ocean Science and Technology Institute

• Week-long institute at the University of Rhode Island Inner Space Center for teachers and two of their high school students, July 18-22, 2016

Academic Year Activities

• Classroom implementation of activities
• Bi-weekly meetings with colleagues
• Webinars
• Four regional Science Cafes
• Online journal activities
• Student-hosted programs in district middle schools
• Culminating one-day conference

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