This year-long professional development opportunity for 8th – 12th grade STEM teachers showcases current energy science, technologies, and careers to enhance Energy Literacy Fellows’ ability to deliver energy-related content, conduct STEM-based activities and promote STEM career opportunities to students. Fellows interact with diverse scientists and industry representatives to receive up-to-date content knowledge and engage in hands-on, inquiry-based activities designed to support student learning about energy. Any 8th – 12th grade STEM teacher who addresses energy in their teaching is eligible to apply; 8th-grade, environmental science, and career and technical education teachers are especially encouraged. This program benefits new and experienced teachers.
Fellows will:
- Connect and engage with a variety of scientists, industry professionals, and other science teachers.
- Gain knowledge and collect resources that align with the NC Essential Standards for Science and integrate science and engineering practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards.
Fellows will receive:
- Access to current science content related to emerging energy issues and technologies.
- Resources to support classroom integration of content, including over $250 worth of instructional materials to support hands-on STEM investigations.
- Access to a peer learning network from across the state.
- Credit towards CEUs and the NC EE Certification Program.
- Support for sharing energy-related STEM instructional strategies and successes with other teaching professionals at the district, regional, state, and national levels.
Fellows will be expected to:
- Be an 8th – 12th grade STEM teacher at a North Carolina school located in a Duke Energy service territory.
- Have access to a working Internet connection with audio capabilities for virtual share sessions.
- Be available to participate in the following:
Summer Professional Development Institute | July 23-25, 2024 (UNC-Chapel Hill)
During this institute, we will dive into learning about the electric grid and we will explore NC’s energy landscape through classroom-ready activities, online mapping tools, guest presentations, and field trips. Participants will have the opportunity to supplement learning through participation in an electricity-themed Goosechase Scavenger hunt. Meals, lodging, substitute teacher reimbursement and transportation stipend provided when applicable.
At least four PoWer Wednesday Webinars | October – March, third Wednesday of the month from 4:15-5:45 PM
Participants are asked to attend at least four webinars, representing an opportunity to customize this professional development experience. During these virtual sessions, we will explore a topic and discuss classroom integration strategies to support classroom application of program resources and materials and offer peer support in incorporating program experiences into instruction. Alumni will be invited to both attend and lead activities.
Regional Science Immersion Experience
Participants are required to attend at least one experience and are welcome to attend more than one as long as space is available. Meals, lodging, substitute teacher reimbursement and transportation stipend provided when applicable. These sessions will include place-based explorations of electricity generation and energy research facilities, hands-on activities, and discussions of local energy issues and relevant careers; alumni from each region will be invited to attend and lead activities.
- Western Region, TBD | Monday, Nov 11, 2024 (School holiday for most teachers)
- Eastern Region, Manteo | March 14/15 or March 21/22, 2025
- Central Region, TBD | Spring 2025
- Pop-up events will be offered as field trip opportunities arise during the school year
Apply
Applications due by 11:59PM Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Apply Now!Recommended Reading
Related Links
- IE energy educators contribute to first-of-its-kind renewable energy education summit
- IE partners with the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to engage STEM teachers in learning about chemistry innovations in the energy sector
- Haine named Outstanding Informal Educator by RePowering Schools
Publications
GENERATE: The Game of Energy Choices – Promoting energy literacy while cultivating systems thinking
Program Contact
Dana Brown Haine,
K-12 Science Education Manager, Center for Public Engagement with Science
(919) 843-5735dhaine@email.unc.edu
People
Made Possible by:
Funding Source
Duke Energy Foundation
Latest CPES News
The Impact of Smoking and E-Cigarette Use on Asthma (DukeUNCTTS | May 6, 2024)
IE’s Neasha Graves speaks about the impact of smoking for national Asthma + Allergy Awareness Month.
Read More
EcoStudio matches Tar Heels with internships (UNC.edu | Apr. 11, 2024)
Since 2018, the program has helped 466 students explore careers in environment and sustainability.
Read More