Deadline for applications: March 1, 2013
OGI strongly believes in supporting Ontario high school teachers who want to bring effective and innovative teaching of genomics into their classroom. We recognize that some teachers may be at a disadvantage as schools in the public and Catholic school systems are under-resourced and do not have equipment to teach genomics in their classroom.
That's why we've introduced the Genomics Equipment Grant. We want this grant to bridge the gap between resourced and under-resourced schools. We want to better equip under-resourced life science teachers for genomics educations.
THE GRANT
The winning life science department/science teacher will receive:
- A grant of $3,000 for the 2013/14 school year to cover the cost of new laboratory equipment for the science department or classroom
- A grant of $1,000 available over three years to cover the costs of consumables for the classroom
The winning school must sign an acceptance letter indicating that they agree to:
- Purchase equipment specific to genomics and must agree that such equipment would be for student use
- Participate in a photo opportunity later in the award year with the Ontario Genomics Institute representative and its photographer
- Provide feedback annually to the Ontario Genomics Institute from one year after equipment is in place
- Announce the Genomics Equipment Grant award from the Ontario Genomics Institute in the school newsletter and on the school website
- Allow Ontario Genomics Institute to display its logo on equipment
ELIGIBILITY
This award is open to all life science teachers/departments (grades 11 and 12) actively teaching at a publicly funded Ontario secondary school. Applicants must have at least one year of teaching experience and must be returning to full-time teaching duties in the fall of the year the grant is to commence (except in cases of extended leave due to maternity or disability). To be considered for the award in a given year, applicants must submit a complete application package as outlined below.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The school’s science department head or a senior life science teacher(s) must complete the application and must collect and submit all required materials to OGI by the March 1 deadline. Note: To strengthen the application, OGI encourages that applications be submitted by science department heads or two or more senior life science teachers.
Application packages must include:
- A completed application form (available here)
- A proposal - must not exceed four pages (double spaced, 12-point font; approx. 1,000 words, excluding letter of support) and should include the following:
- Statement of current equipment: What equipment do you currently have that supports genomics research? Have you already sourced equipment? If yes, what type and from where? If not, would you require OGIs assistance with sourcing?
- What type of equipment do you plan to purchase?
- How do you plan to use this equipment? Describe planned activities in detail.
- What do you plan to teach and to whom? How does this fit into the current Ontario Secondary School Curriculum for the grade level(s) you teach?
- What difference will this equipment make?
- How do you keep abreast of developments in genomics (e.g., partners, resources)?
- A letter of support from a senior member of the school staff (e.g., department head [if not an applicant], principal)
EVALUATION
Completed application packages receive review by an expert panel* that includes:
- A representative from OGI
- A senior Ontario genomics researcher
- A representative of the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
- Up to three Ontario-based experts in science education
- A former Genomics Teaching Award winner
- A former Genomics Equipment Grant winner
The review panel will base their evaluation of applicants on the following criteria, using a template provided by OGI:
- Plan for use of equipment purchased
- Demonstrated excellence in stimulating interest in and teaching students about genomics as a new approach to research in the life sciences
- Use of innovative teaching and instructional strategies and novel approaches to learning
- Focus on student learning and demonstrated impact
- Demonstration of relevant professional development activities
- Commitment to leadership/mentorship in genomics education
Based on input from the review panel and OGI internal review (OGI will select at least one winner of the award each year. NOTE: OGI retains the right not to select a winner in a given year).
As required, the review panel will also be consulted regarding improvements to the application and/or review process.
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