Teacher Requirements for Schoolyard SITES
Now accepting applications. We strongly encourage grade level teams within the same building to apply to this program. While this is not a requirement, we have seen successes when two or more teachers work with an Extension Volunteer to design a curriculum for their grade level.
Join Schoolyard SITES, a unique opportunity for you and your students to conduct a project-based science investigation with a UNH Cooperative Extension volunteer!
Schoolyard SITES (Schoolyard Science Investigations by Teachers, Extension Volunteers, and Students) is a UNH professional development program for elementary teachers (K-5th grade). With support from UNH Cooperative Extension volunteers, teachers develop science investigations that incorporate student learning goals aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and involving established citizen science projects.
Eligible teachers*:
- Teach elementary school (K-5th grades)
- Have a minimum of three years experience as a teacher
- Agree to the program requirements (e.g., attend all workshops; partner with Extension Science Volunteer for 1 school year; design & teach a locally-relevant, citizen science project)
- Provide a letter of support from the school principal
Teachers who participate will:
- Participate in summer and school-year professional development workshops led by UNH education and citizen science professionals
- Collaborate, throughout one school year, with a UNH Cooperative Extension science volunteer with expertise in environmental science-related topics and citizen science
- Design and teach a locally-relevant citizen science project in partnership with a science volunteer
- Receive ongoing mentoring and support from UNH faculty and staff
- Receive a $250 stipend and classroom supplies (up to $200)
- Earn professional development certificate (50 hours)
- Earn University of New Hampshire microcredential in Science Curriculum Development for Field-based Investigations
2024-2025 Workshops - All workshops will be held at UNH Durham from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Five Wednesday Afternoons (Nov. 6, 2024, Dec. 11, 2024, Feb. 2, 2025, March 5, 2025, April 9, 2025, after school ~3:30-6:00 pm)
Final Showcase & Celebration, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
Review of applications will begin on April 10th on a first come basis.
For more details email diana.lo@unh.edu.
If your school district is interested in getting involved, contact Lara Gengarelly at Lara.Gengarelly@unh.edu.
