Check out the new AMSTI website!

Take a moment to visit the recently updated AMSTI website at www.amsti.org. It has undergone several improvements which makes it user-friendly and easier to navigate.

Notice the link on the right side where you can obtain your cycle schedule for the upcoming school year. Just click on "Detailed Schedule" underneath AMSTI-Athens!

Contact information for all the site can be found after clicking on the particular site and choosing Contact Information at the top of the screen.

Under the Science tab, you will find several links to resources including GLOBE, FITH, Literacy Strategies, video clips, and AL COS correlations. Everything is at your fingertips!

Grant Opportunities

Here are some new exciting grant opportunities!

1. Best Buy
Best Buy grants are open to any group across the country planning to conduct an environmentally responsible consumer electronics recycling event. Priority will be given to not-for-profit groups, but any organization is welcome to apply.
Grants are designed to defray costs for events already planned and allow groups to do more with their budgets. Grants range from $500 - $1500 per event, depending on the size and scope of the events. Priority is given to electronics recycling events, but other types of events that include electronics recycling are considered.
Online applications are accepted year round. Applicants will be notified by Best Buy if they have been awarded a grant. Notification should come between one to two months after an application is submitted.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.e4partners.com/grant_info.htm

2. AIAA Grant
K-12 teachers who develop or apply science, mathematics, and technology in their curriculum may qualify for a grant of up to $200 per individual request to supplement their learning program. Each school is limited to up to $1,000 per calendar year.
Classroom grants may be used for demonstration kits and science supplies, math and science software, supplies for making flying objects (what kid can resist the chance to build and launch a rocket?), supplies for robotic programs, and other materials to help make science, mathematics, and technology come alive in the classroom. Preference is given to grants that align with the AIAA mission. Please note that grants will not be considered for computer hardware, printers, cameras, equipment and general math and science supplies not tied to a specific lesson plan.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

3. Toshiba America Grant
(2 winners from GA and 2 winners from AL last year!)
Toshiba America Foundation contributes to the quality of science and mathematics education in the U.S. with an annual grant budget of approximately $500,000. Teachers K - 12 are eligible to apply for grants ranging from up to $1,000 for grades K - 6 and $5,000 for 7 - 12.
Recent K - 6 grantees include a kindergarten class using their urban neighborhood as a laboratory for an introduction to geometry, and elementary students participating in hands-on activities at a National Wildlife Refuge. Some recipients in grades 7 - 12 are working on creating new science based classes, lesson plans or research laboratories for their schools.
Deadline for K – 6th grade programs is October 1st (may request up to $1,000). Grant Applications for 7th - 12th grade programs are accepted year round for grants under $5,000 and are due August 1st for grants over $5,000.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.toshiba.com/taf/


Good luck!

Thanks to Ned Colley from Texas Instruments for these links.

Hurray for Summer!

Now that you've closed out the 2009-2010 school year, I want to wish you a wonderful summer vacation full of rest, relaxation, and time with your family. Recharge your batteries and return in August ready to face the new crop of students that will eagerly enter your classroom.

We are not having a full AMSTI Summer Institute but there are compressed training opportunities for those of you who have changed grade levels since you were trained or for those who teach multiple grade levels (mainly middle school teachers). If you are interested in registering for these sessions, please contact our office at 256-216-6622 before the June 15 deadline. Registration forms were sent to your schools last month, but you are still able to sign up!

Please feel free to contact me this coming school year if you need any assistance with your science modules. We will be posting your kit cycles soon!

Thanks so much for all you do!
Carrie Lin