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:
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Provide M-12 students with hands-on opportunities to engage with STEM technology.
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Show students how STEM can be applied to benefit their communities.
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Give MiSU undergraduate research students a chance to serve as positive role models.
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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 are encouraged to reach out to us. We will work to match your classroom's needs and curriculum with the expertise of our MiSU STEM faculty. We are actively prioritizing small rural schools.
To begin the conversation about a classroom visit, please 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.
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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.
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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.
How to Apply for SitC Funding.
To apply for funding, please submit a proposal outlining your planned SitC activity. The application process involves:
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
| Activity topic/title | Activity description | Grade(s) | School |
MiSU |
Visit date(s) |
| TBD |
