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Project Description

Oakwood University  |  Marshall Space Flight Center  |  Return to previous Page

PROGRAM DATES: June 14-26-2009

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

What is a Pre-Service Teacher Institute?

The NASA/Oakwood University Pre-Service Teacher Institute, or PSTI, is a two-week residential institute for college students who are preparing to teach in an elementary or middle school.

The program is designed to increase students’ skills in teaching mathematics and science while incorporating technology in the curriculum. This is achieved through the development of a problem-based learning, or PBL, space exploration theme. Each student is assigned to an Institute Flight Team. Students develop a lesson that they teach to children from a local school, and also teach in an elementary/middle school when they return home. One major goal is to transfer this experience and acquired knowledge into a useable lesson plan for teaching at a particular grade level.

Students must be a member of a designated member university. Go to Member Institutions to see if your university is listed, and notify your faculty advisor that you are making application. A financial support package is provided to all participants.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

--To model and promote the use of scientific inquiry through problem-based learning for pre-service
  teachers.
--To enhance pre-service elementary and middle school teachers' knowledge, skills and strategies for
  teaching mathematics and science.
--To promote enthusiasm and self-confidence for teaching science and mathematics for pre-service
  teachers of young children.
--To inform pre-service teachers and faculty about a variety of alternative instructional strategies using
  scientific inquiry and problem-based learning.
--To provide pre-service teachers with an opportunity to use computers and other communication
  technologies as a resource with peers.

ELIGIBILITY

To apply for this fellowship program all applicants must meet the following requirements:
--Be a U.S. citizen.
--Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
--Be a full-time, rising junior, senior or graduate* student at an NCATE-accredited
  minority university. See Member Institutions.
--Be an early childhood or elementary education major.
--Have successfully completed at least one mathematics and one science course with
  a grade of "C" or better.
--Be in continuous attendance for the full two-week program.
--Have the recommendation of a science or mathematics professor.

* Graduate student must not hold an undergraduate degree in early childhood or elementary education.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The PSTI faculty and NASA education specialists will guide participants through a wide range of learning activities designed to model inquiry based learning in mathematics and science and the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

Participants will visit Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Museum, The US Space and Rocket Center, the NASA Educator Resource Center and the NASA Payload Operations Center.

Participants will be divided into project groups for designing and presenting lessons. Participants will keep journals and share from their journal entries daily.

Meet the Faculty

Lesson Plan and Curriculum Design	Dr. Tammy Alexander, Professor, Alabama A&M University
Mathematics	Ms. Davita Hurt, Huntsville City Schools
Science	Mrs. Sandra Palmore, Instructor, Huntsville Middle School
Incorporating Technology into the Curriculum	Ms Hannah Chambers, Teaching and Learning Center Coordinator, Oakwood University
Principal Investigator	Dr. Bernita Thomas-Boyce, Department of Education, Oakwood University
Evaluator	Dr.Timothy McDonald, Vice President for Institutional Development, Oakwood University

Meet the Staff

PSTI (MSFC) Project Manager	Dr. Marilyn Lewis, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Academic Affairs Office
Resource Administrator	Mrs. Ivey Starks, Oakwood University
Site Coordinator	Mr. Wilbert Brown, Principal, Huntsville Academy for Arts and Academics
Assistant Site Coordinator	Chanel Leslie, Huntsville Academy for Arts and Academics

Workshop Presenters

NASA Education Specialists

DAILY SCHEDULE

The day at the Institute will begin at 7:00 a.m. and typically end at 6:00 p.m. However, flight teams generally work together in the computer labs after 6:00 p.m. Classes are held on the campus of Oakwood College and at the NASA Educator Resource Center.

No official activities are scheduled during the week-end. Participants may log on to http://www.huntsville.org and click on calendar of events for scheduled activities throughout their stay in Huntsville.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation costs will be reimbursed to participants from city of residence to Huntsville, Alabama. Students must make their own travel arrangements.

Air Transportation: Students traveling more than 400 miles from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center may fly and will be reimbursed, for actual costs, up to $400. If the amount exceeds $400, the participant is responsible for any costs over that amount. (Students should plan well in advance and reserve airline tickets early for the lowest fares.) The airport code for Huntsville is "HSV."

Ground Transportation: Students traveling between 50 and 400 miles from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center are expected to use ground transportation and will be reimbursed at the rate of 48.5 cents per mile, up to $200. The project will not reimburse for personal travel while you are in Huntsville. AMTRAK train service is not available in Huntsville.

Transportation information, along with directions to and a map of Huntsville, may be found at: http://www.huntsville.org/ (select Maps & Transportation from the menu).

HOUSING

Housing is provided by Oakwood College at the beautiful West Oaks Apartment Complex, http://www.oakwood.edu/Residence_Halls/default.aspx?id=28 . Please view a list of the policies that govern the complex. The apartments are triple occupancy (three separate bedrooms) and are equipped with a desk, chair and a chest of drawers. Each room has cable and telephone hook-ups and Internet access.

The commons area (living room) includes a sofa and chairs, and the full kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove and microwave.

The West Oaks Club House, located in the apartment complex, includes a wide screen television and comfortable couches.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

What to Bring

--Bed linens for a long twin-sized bed (including pillow and blanket).
--Towels and wash cloths.
--Cookware and cooking utensils.
--A positive attitude!

What to Wear

Bring comfortable clothing including jeans and sneakers. Please do not wear shorts, halter tops or mini skirts. Capri style pants are acceptable. A sweater or light jacket may be needed. Bring professional attire for the closing ceremony and banquet.

Rules and Regulations

--Participants will attend all sessions. The schedule is intense, and punctuality is crucial to the smooth
  flow of activities.
--Individuals will be charged for any loss or damage to the residential facilities and equipment. There will
  be a $25 fee for lost or unreturned keys.
--Students will not be permitted to remain after the checkout date. Provisions have not
  been made for overnight guests.
--Students must complete all forms and return them before or during registration day.
--Security badges must be worn at all times while at NASA.
--Supplies -- All required instructional supplies will be provided in the classroom. Each group will be
  given a monetary supplement, if needed, for the final presentation.

SUPPORT PACKAGE

The Institute provides a generous support package to include the following:

--$500 stipend for those who completely fulfill all requirements of the Institute.
--Travel reimbursement. (See Transportation.)
--Transportation to and from NASA and field trip sites.
--Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participants will receive a dinner allowance. The campus is
  located near many restaurants.
--Resource materials, including binders, videos, DVDs, books, supplies and lesson plans,
  will be provided.
--Backpacks are provided for carrying materials.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Registration has passed for 2009.

INSTRUCTIONS

Complete the application in its entirety. Please type or print all information in blue or black ink. Return the completed application along with the required essay/writing sample, official sealed transcript from all colleges/universities attended and current resume. Letters of recommendation should be received under separate cover.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

A complete application includes:

--Application form.
--Two recommendation forms. (One must be from a mathematics or science teacher.)
--Current official sealed copy of your transcript.

A well written essay of two to four pages addressing experiences that have led you to want to pursue a career in teaching, how the PSTI relates to your teaching goals, and what about NASA interests you.

Completed packages should be sent to the following address:

Dr. Marilyn H. Lewis, PSTI Project Manager
Academic Affairs Office /HS30
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
MSFC, AL 35812

You will receive notification, via e-mail, that your application has been received. A current e-mail address must be listed on your application. The Institute is not responsible for incorrect or missing e-mail addresses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  ELIGIBILITY

Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen in order to apply?
Yes. The program is solely for those with U.S. citizenship.

After successfully completing a PSTI, can I apply to a second PSTI?
No, each participant can attend only one PSTI. The PSTI is an entrance-level program designed for students who have not had an opportunity to participate in a PBL guided environment.

I'm a freshman undergraduate student, if this program is for undergraduate students, why can't I participate?
Freshman students are not eligible. You must have taken at least upper level courses in science and mathematics in order to be eligible for this program.

Do I have to have health insurance coverage to apply or can I wait until I'm selected to acquire it?
It is highly recommended to have health insurance in order to begin your internship.

  APPLICATIONS

Is it possible for me to send in an application now and remain on file for consideration next year?
No, your application will only be considered for the current year.

Can references be sent by e-mail?
No. All references should be sent with your application.

Who should I get to write my references?
References should be submitted by someone familiar with your academic achievements and your academic ability. It is required that one recommendation is received by your college mathematics or science professor.

Am I required to submit transcripts?
Yes. You must request an official transcript (college seal stamp) from your current and all previous institution(s). The transcript must be included in your complete application package. On the application, you are required to list all science and mathematics courses and grades assigned for classes you have completed and for classes you are currently taking (you are not required to list grades for classes you are currently taking).

Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
No. It is your responsibility to refer to your " Application Checklist " to ensure that your application is complete.

  SELECTION

How does the selection process work?
When the deadline for all applications arrives, an Application Review Committee will review all applications. The faculty and Education personnel at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Oakwood University are involved in the selection process.

How are applications judged?
Your application will be judged on your educational experience, your essay and references. You will also be judged on your commitment to a career in teaching.

When and how will I find out if I’ve been selected?
Notification of your selection will be received via e-mail from NASA. This notification will then be followed up with an appointment letter and other documents explaining the details of your internship. Please check your e-mail frequently, as you will only have 1 week in which to accept an offer once it has been made. If you fail to notify us of your acceptance or decline to our offer (via e-mail), you will forfeit your selection and another participant will be selected.

If I don’t get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
You must reapply the following year.

  PARTICIPATION

What if I can only participate for a portion of the internship due to other commitments?
Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the internship period. You should plan to be in the program full time and avoid obligations that will interrupt your internship.

Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
No. The start date for the NASA MSFC/Oakwood University PSTI is scheduled for Sunday, June 14-26. Please note that other NASA Centers across the country offer similar PSTI programs throughout the summer.

Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
The program does not include vacation or sick leave.

How do I receive my stipend payment and where does it come from?
You will receive your stipend and travel reimbursement check on the last day of the program. All checks are issued by Oakwood College.

What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home or school and the appointment site. See Transportation for more details.

Does the program pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating?
No. Tuition and fees incurred during your participation in the program while you are still enrolled in a college or university are not reimbursable.

By participating in this program, do I become an employee of the administrator, the host institution, or NASA?
No. You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an employer/employee relationship with the administrator, the host institution, or NASA.

Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation at the end of my appointment?
Yes. The presentation is a requirement and not an option. The work you perform and the knowledge you obtain throughout the Institute will prepare you and your flight team members to teach your lesson to actual 3rd and 4th graders.

Whom should I contact if I have problems which I have been unable to resolve on-line?
Marilyn Lewis (marilyn.h.lewis@nasa.gov)
Wilbert Brown (wlbrown@hsv.k12.al.us)

  SPONSOR

What is the source of funding for this program?
The Marshall Space Flight Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute is funded by the NASA Space Operations and Missions Directorate.

	+ Freedom of Information Act + Budgets, Strategic Plans and Accountability Reports + The President's Management Agenda + Privacy Policy and Important Notices + Inspector General Hotline + Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act + Information-Dissemination Priorities and Inventories + USA.gov + ExpectMore.gov			Editor: Dr. Shelley Canright NASA Official: Dr. Bernice Alston Last Updated: June 8, 2009