About IMEGS
IMEGS is a series of interdisciplinary, field and on-line institutes designed to enhance science content in middle school educators, primarily from West Tennessee. All three base curricula, Life Sciences, Earth & Planetary, & Physical are included. Each institute begins with an on-line inquiry-based introduction to the principles and background information they will need for their summer intensive institutes. Summer institutes consist of two weeks at UT Martin, Coon Creek Science Center, and Reelfoot Biological Station enhancing the content knowledge in each discipline area while collecting scientific data for interpretation. Teachers will leave the workshops with “teacher kits,” which include CBL interfaces and sensors, binocular microscope, field collection gear, physics demonstration equipment, life sciences laboratory supplies and specimens, fossil kits, and a variety of software, valued at more than $4000. These kits will allow teachers to transfer their newfound knowledge to their classrooms.
In addition, participants will video-tape demonstrations of the various principles so that all teachers in Tennessee can benefit from the experience. The Life and Physical science workshops will take place mostly at UT Martin, with a few excursions to Reelfoot Lake, while the Earth & Planetary Science workshop will take place at Coon Creek Science Center, a nationally recognized fossil site. Teachers will also automatically be enrolled in an educational studies online course. All institutes are based on the National Standards and Tennessee Science Framework with emphasis on hands-on activities
Participants
Eighteen participants will be selected for each institute each summer. Until Nov. 30, participants from previous institutes and partner schools will receve preference. Beyond that, selection criteria include: date of application, potential for applicant’s experience being shared with students and other teachers, and demographics – “new” and minority teachers are encouraged to apply. After Nov. 30, preference will be given to other west Tennessee middle school teachers, followed by middle school teachers from across the state.
Expenses
Funding for IMEGS is provided through the Tennessee Math and Science Partnership program. Participants will be given stipends to cover travel, lodging, and meals for each workshop and to attend the TSTA annual meeting. Three (3) hours of graduate credit per workshop is paid for by IMEGS.
Important Dates
Nov. 30, 2005 – Early deadline for IMEGS partners
March 31, 2006 – Deadline for all applications
April 5, 2006 – Selection of second year teachers
June 4-17, 2006 – Earth Science Institute
July 9-22, 2006 – Physical Science Institute
2007 – Physical/Life Science Institutes
2006 IMEGS Institutes Staff
Dr. Michael A. Gibson - Geology
Dr. Lionel Crews - Astronomy/Physics
Dr. Rosemary Effiong - Chemistry
Dr. Becky Cox - Educational Studies
