Science Teacher Residency (STaR) Program
APPLY NOW FOR ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER'S SCIENCE TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAM (STaR)
STaR is an innovative, hands-on program that is led by expert facilitators and content specialists focused on addressing common misconceptions about STEM subjects that are often taught in the classroom. STaR includes four days of instruction at Arizona Science Center. The program gives participants the tools to take these same lessons back to their schools and classrooms.
Participating teachers also receive a year of mentoring and coaching as part of STaR. At the end of the program, they will walk away with all the materials needed to create lesson plans to effectively teach what they've learned.
Why Apply? STaR Perks Include:
- $450 Participant stipend
- $500 worth of supplies for the classroom to implement the content
- Traveling? We'll cover the hotel!
- Lunch included daily
- Ongoing mentoring and coaching
Upcoming Modules
Life Science STaR
June 10, 11, 12, 13 2024 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions about Life Science. Explore how energy flows through an ecosystem, how organisms adapt to their ever-changing environments, how animals and plants depend on each other for survival, and so much more!
Application open through May 10, 2024.
*Focused on grades 5, 6 and 8
Interested in attending STaR, but not from a Title One school? Click here to pay with a credit card, or email chambersb@azscience.org to pay with a purchase order.
STaR Space Science Module
June 24, 25, 26, 27 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions about space science. Explore how the Earth and Moon move within our solar system, why the Moon's appearance changes, the cause of eclipses and the effects of Earth's tilt on the length of days and seasons.
Deadline to apply is May 27, 2024
*Focused on grades 5–6
Generously supported by the Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust.
Interested in attending STaR, but not from a Title One school? Click here to pay with a credit card, or email chambersb@azscience.org to pay with a purchase order.
STaR Early Childhood Physical Science Module
July 8, 9, 10, 11 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions about physical science. Explore how light and sound waves interact with objects around us, observe forces acting on objects, identify the properties of matter, and discover the types of matter and how they can change states.
Deadline to apply is June 7, 2024
*Focused on grades K -2
Not from a Title I school, but still want to participate in this amazing professional development opportunity? Enroll for our limited spots for purchase here.
STaR Environmental Science Module
October 25-26 & November 1-2 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions about Environmental Science. Explore the study of the environment and solutions to environmental problems by examining physical, chemical and biological conditions of the environment and their effect on organisms!
Deadline to apply is September 27, 2024
*Focused on grades 4, 5, 6 and 8
Criteria to Apply
Your school must meet one of the following:
- Qualify for Title I Funding,
- Have a large population of Native American and/or Latino students, or
- Be located in rural Arizona and consistently experience high teacher turnover.
Must teach science to students in grades K-8.
Application Requirements
A Letter of Understanding must be submitted to participate.
Agreement outlines:
- Implement to the best of their ability the lessons modeled during STaR.
- Attend all 32 hours of in-person training and complete all requirements of the virtual workday.
- Provide feedback to Arizona Science Center to help improve programming.
- Participate in homework and discussions through our online learning platform.
Learn More About the STaR Program!
Questions?
Email us at str@azscience.org.
Arizona Science Center's STaR program is generously supported by Helios Education Foundation.
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to achieve a postsecondary education. The Foundation’s work is driven by four fundamental beliefs in Community, Investment, Equity, and Partnership. Helios invests in programs and initiatives across the full education continuum – from early grade success through postsecondary education. In Arizona, where Latino students comprise the largest percentage of the K-12 public school population, the Foundation is implementing its Arizona Latino Student Success initiative focused on preparing all students - especially students in high poverty, underserved Latino communities - for success. Through Helios’ Florida Regional Student Success Initiative, the Foundation is helping underserved, minority, first-generation students from the state's large population centers in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa achieve a postsecondary education. Since 2006, the Foundation has invested more than $200 million in education programs and initiatives in both states. To learn more about Helios, visit www.helios.org.
Additional support for STaR is generously provided by:
APS | Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust | Freeport-McMoRan Foundation | Verizon
