2008 Woodie Awards
Grant boosts science funds
Jason Hamilton
Issue date: 4/6/06 Section: News
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An associate professor in Central's chemistry department wants to improve the quality of middle school science programs throughout Missouri.
Somnath Sarkar, associate professor of chemistry and co-director of a summer program he created titled, "Scaffolding Authentic Learning by Inquiry: A field-based project for middle school teachers," is set to improve science programs in Missouri's middle schools.
Sarkar's plan was brought to life when he drew up a proposal to receive federal grants to fund the program. This type of funding is referred to as Title II grant funding.
His proposal was one of three multi-year grants awarded. There were 12 different organizations competing.
"Any non-profit organization can apply for this kind of funding," Sarkar said.
The federal grants are distributed on a competitive basis by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE).
His proposal was good enough to beat out nine other organizations and was awarded $376,596 distributed over a three-year period.
Sarkar's program is entering its second year and received a disbursement of $125,925 for 2006.
He said they have to show what they have accomplished with the funds in the past and what is planned for the future in order to receive funding for the next year.
"Just because we were awarded a multi-year grant does not mean we are guaranteed to get funding each year," Sarkar said.
In the actual summer workshop for middle school science teachers, the participants pay for nothing. Their lodging, food and transportation are paid for by the grant.
The participants earn four hours of graduate credit and a summer stipend, also paid using grant money.
The workshop is a field study in which teachers engage in field-based investigations, laboratory experiments and learn how to develop exciting lesson plans and activities for their students.
Participants are chosen on a "first-come-first-serve" basis, Sarkar said. The only real requirement is being a middle school science teacher, and having a positive attitude towards the program.
Somnath Sarkar, associate professor of chemistry and co-director of a summer program he created titled, "Scaffolding Authentic Learning by Inquiry: A field-based project for middle school teachers," is set to improve science programs in Missouri's middle schools.
Sarkar's plan was brought to life when he drew up a proposal to receive federal grants to fund the program. This type of funding is referred to as Title II grant funding.
His proposal was one of three multi-year grants awarded. There were 12 different organizations competing.
"Any non-profit organization can apply for this kind of funding," Sarkar said.
The federal grants are distributed on a competitive basis by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE).
His proposal was good enough to beat out nine other organizations and was awarded $376,596 distributed over a three-year period.
Sarkar's program is entering its second year and received a disbursement of $125,925 for 2006.
He said they have to show what they have accomplished with the funds in the past and what is planned for the future in order to receive funding for the next year.
"Just because we were awarded a multi-year grant does not mean we are guaranteed to get funding each year," Sarkar said.
In the actual summer workshop for middle school science teachers, the participants pay for nothing. Their lodging, food and transportation are paid for by the grant.
The participants earn four hours of graduate credit and a summer stipend, also paid using grant money.
The workshop is a field study in which teachers engage in field-based investigations, laboratory experiments and learn how to develop exciting lesson plans and activities for their students.
Participants are chosen on a "first-come-first-serve" basis, Sarkar said. The only real requirement is being a middle school science teacher, and having a positive attitude towards the program.