U.S.-Japan connection: The United States-Japan Foundation Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two precollege teachers in two categories: humanities and Japanese language. Maximum award: $7,500 ($2,500 monetary award, $5,000 in project funds). Eligibility: current full-time K-12 classroom teachers of any relevant subject in the United States who have been teaching for at least five years.
DEADLINE: Feb. 5
CONTACT: Heinz Award
Summer opportunity for science teachers: Each year the City Gardens Club of New York City pays program fees for a limited number of New York City public school teachers to attend activity-oriented summer workshops at the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Queens Botanical Garden, The Horticultural Society of New York and a residential program on Hog Island, Maine, offered by National Audubon Society. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition, “P” in-service credit where available, course materials, and room and board when applicable. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers who teach science in the classroom are eligible.
DEADLINE: Application forms and descriptions of the programs are available online now; deadline for summer 2014 scholarship is May 2.
CONTACT: City Gardens Club
Making education stick: Elmer’s Products Inc. announced the release of a new teaching resource to help teachers familiarize students with the properties of common adhesives and the science of polymers in a fun and creative way. The resource, The World of Glue: An Inquiry-Based Investigation of Adhesives, is geared toward K-5 students. The resource materials feature a 22-page plan, including activity instructions, discussion questions and handouts.
CONTACT: Elmer's
Teacher rewards for student videos: Population Connection seeks entrants for the World of 7 Billion video contest. High school students are asked to create a short (60 seconds or less) video that illustrates the connection between population growth and one of the following global challenges: climate change, global poverty or water sustainability. Awards range from $250 to $1,000. Eligibility: high school students. Teachers can receive a free set of Population Connection resources if 10 or more of their students enter the contest.
DEADLINE: Feb. 21
CONTACT: Population Connection, World of 7 Billion Video Contest, 2120 L St. NW, #500, Washington, DC 20037; email: worldof7billion@populationconnection.org; website: 7 Billion contest
Agriculture concepts recognized: Each year, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium presents five exceptional teachers with the Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award. This competitive program recognizes teachers for their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Maximum award: $500; up to $1,500 for travel-related expenses to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Eligibility: pre-K-12 teachers.
DEADLINE: Feb. 3
CONTACT: Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award
Problem-solving students sought: The Christopher Columbus Awards program combines science and technology with community problem-solving. Students work in teams with the help of an adult coach to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology, work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test to develop an innovative solution. Maximum award: $25,000 to bring the team’s idea to the community and an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend the program’s National Championship Week. Eligibility: middle-school-age (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) children; teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter.
DEADLINE: Feb. 3
CONTACT: Christopher Columbus Awards