Dr. Mary Ellen Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award
The online application is available here. Please send any questions to awards@sc-education.org.
Description
This award recognizes those individuals who demonstrate computational science leadership through their use of computer-based models, simulations, and visualizations to enhance student learning in K-12 classroom or after-school settings and their active participation in sharing their strategies and methods with others.
Award Background
Dr. Mary Ellen Verona, a visionary in the use of computational science for secondary science education, spent the last eight years of her life providing opportunities for high school science teachers who shared her commitment to the highest quality education for students. Mary Ellen believed that teachers were the key to providing students with access to the computational science tools and methods that scientists use on a regular basis. She understood that by providing classroom teachers with the background and support needed to create and use computer-based models, simulations, and visualizations, thousands of students would be able to experience the same technology-rich approaches used to solve complex problems in research labs around the world. This award, created in her honor, is meant to recognize those individuals who not only use computational science tools with K-12 students in classroom or after-school settings, but who also provide support and training to others who seek to use computational tools with K-12 students.
Categories
A Mary Ellen Verona award will be given in each of the following categories:
- Outstanding K-12 classroom teacher submission
- Outstanding K-12 outreach program submission
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be judged by a committee of individuals involved in the application of computational science tools and methods in K-12 education. Criteria will include:
- The educational impact of computational science tools and methods on K-12 students
- Leadership in helping others use computational tools and methods with K-12 students
- Quality of submitted materials
Award
The Mary Ellen Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award will consist of the following:
- A cash prize
- Travel expenses to the SC08 Conference in Austin, Texas, in November 2008
- An award certificate
Application Guidelines
The Verona CSTL Award application process has two parts, one electronic and the other paper. Application materials may be submitted starting January 1. Complete submissions are due August 1 and may be submitted via the electronic submission system.
Upon receipt, applications become the property of the SC08 Education Committee. Applications will not be returned to applicants. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Award winners will be notified by September 2008. The SC08 Education Committee reserves the right to award as many or as few awards as warranted by the quality of the applications.
Applications must include the following information:
- A letter of nomination from an individual or group familiar with the applicant’s work. Applicants may self-nominate. The letter should address the impact the applicant has had on his/her students and/or on other teachers with respect to the use of computational science tools, methods and strategies.
- A completed and signed application form for (select one)
- A description of specific computer model(s), simulation(s) or visualization(s) the applicant has implemented with K-12 students and their impact on student learning. Include the source of the computer model and associated activities. Provide a written summary of the impact this activity made on the students. Do not use names of students nor provide actual data on student assessments.
- A description of the ways in which the applicant has promoted and supported the use of computational science by other individuals working with K-12 students. Leading teacher workshops, mentoring individual teachers, writing articles for journals, and making presentations at conferences are all ways of promoting computational science.
- A two-page, double-spaced vita that includes teaching experience, professional activities, formal and continuing education, awards and published material.
Questions should be directed to awards@sc-education.org.
