Minot State / SPARKND / Scientist in the Classroom
SPARKND

Scientist in the Classroom

Scientist in the classroom

The Scientist in the Classroom (SitC) program is a cornerstone of the SPARK-ND initiative, designed to build a strong bridge between Minot State University (MiSU) STEM faculty and middle to high school (M-12) teachers in rural communities. Through this program, MiSU faculty bring engaging, interactive STEM projects directly into school classrooms, providing students with a direct link to real-world science and technology.

About the SitC Program

Our goal is to collaborate with M-12 teachers to co-develop and deliver lessons that not only enhance students' understanding of STEM but also demonstrate how these fields are directly relevant to their local communities.

This program aims to:

  • Provide M-12 students with hands-on opportunities to engage with STEM technology.

  • Show students how STEM can be applied to benefit their communities.

  • Give MiSU undergraduate research students a chance to serve as positive role models.

  • Build lasting partnerships between MiSU and rural schools to strengthen local STEM capacity.

Please note: The primary goal of this program is to foster a greater understanding of STEM fields and careers that exist within rural communities, not to recruit students into university programs.

How to Get a Scientist in Your Classroom

Interested M-12 teachers who would like to get a Scientist in the Classroom can check out the current (preliminary) llist of participating MiSU faculty and their areas of expertise on our Participants page. Depending on your cirriculul and standards, we'll work to match your classroom's needs and curriculum with the expertise of our MiSU STEM faculty. We are actively prioritizing small rural schools. 

How It Works

SitC flowchart

  1. Rural M-12 teachers browse the clearinghouse of available MiSU faculty participants to find someone who has the experitse in the area(s) being covered in your curriculum.
  2. When you've figured out who would be the best fit for your STEM curriculum, click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the Participants page. The information you provide will give us some idea of what kinds of support we can offer in terms of supplies for your classroom to support your STEM curriculum in your school - that stuff will stay with you for your continued use!
  3. We'll get you into contact with your first choice of faculty who will contact you directly - so make sure you use the email address you check most frequently! The two of you will then develop a plan for your visit based on what you are covering in class this semester. As part of this, we will discuss what your needs are for your curriculum and see what we can bring out to support that!
  4. Our MiSU faculty then apply to the program, apply for the funds needed based on a budget that your team co-developed.
  5. We'll get the supplies, consumables, or small equipment ordered!
  6. When the materials for your site visit arrive, we will reach out again to finalize a date and time, ask for directions, and set the plan in motion!
  7. We show up at your door, goodies in tow for a tailored STEM-focused visit that fits in with what your curriculum and standards are based on your lesson plan! 

To begin the conversation about a classroom visit, please either get started on the Participants page or contact Dr. Joe Collette or Dr. Nigel George.

Available Funding for MiSU Faculty to Visit a Classroom.

Funding is available for MiSU faculty to lead a Scientist in the Classroom (SitC) visit to a rural M-12 school. Faculty can apply for a single grant to cover the costs of their visit.

  • Supplies and Equipment Funding: In your application, you can request up to $1,500 to purchase materials, supplies, and small equipment for the classroom visit. Preference will be given to proposals where these items can be left with the teacher to be used in their ongoing curriculum. There is a total of $15,000 available annually for SitC supply and equipment funding. 

  • Faculty Stipend: If your proposed SitC activity is approved, you will receive a one-time, one-day stipend of $500. This stipend is intended to cover all your costs associated with the visit, including time, mileage, and other classroom visit related expenses. Funding is available for up to 18 such visits annually.

MiSU Faculty: How to Apply for SitC Funding.

To apply for funding, please submit a proposal outlining your planned SitC activity. The application process involves:

  1. Collaboration: Working with a rural M-12 teacher to co-develop a lesson plan that aligns with their curriculum. (North Dakota K-12 curriculum standards link)

  2. Application: Completing the application form, which details your proposed activity, the school and teacher you will be working with, and your request for materials, supplies and faculty stipend funding.

  3. Notification: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to be notified of a decision within five weeks of your submission during the Fall and Spring semesters. 

  4. Activity and Final Report: If approved, you will carry out the activity and submit a final report after your classroom visit is complete. Your faculty stipend will be disbursed after your final report is received. 

Click here for the Application Form

Click here for the Final Report Form

Funded Projects

This section will be updated with information on classroom visits that are supported by the grant, including the topic of the activity, and a brief summary of the activity and grade level as well as the collaborating school and faculty member. 

Funded projects
Activity topic/title Activity description Grade(s) School

MiSU
faculty

Visit date(s)
TBD