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About Eyes in the Sky

What is Eyes in the Sky?

Eyes in the Sky is a professional development program that prepares science teachers to use geospatial information technologies—computer mapping programs, aerial and satellite images, and image analysis software—in community-based research projects. The program includes a distance learning course, two weeks of face-to-face workshops, classroom implementation, and a research showcase.

What will I do in the program?

As a participating teacher, you'll learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) instruments, and image analysis software by working through prepared modules during a distance-learning course. In a face-to-face summer workshop, you'll use these information technologies as research tools, and explore pedagogical strategies for engaging students in research. You'll also learn about careers that utilize geospatial information technologies, and pathways for students to enter them. You'll implement what you've learned right away, by introducing technology skills and research strategies to students in a summer institute. When you return to school in the fall, you'll facilitate student research projects in your regular courses, and prepare your students to showcase their results at a research colloquium the following spring.

Benefits of participating

  • Become proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and image analysis software, and gain first-hand experience applying these tools in community-based research
  • Learn to locate, download, and analyze free data and imagery for authentic research projects
  • Collect a set of valuable teaching resources, including a school site license for GIS software
  • Receive a $750 stipend for participating in the 5-day teacher workshop and the 5-day summer institute for students
  • Earn 4 hours of graduate level credit, at no cost to you, for completing all phases of the project
  • Equip your students with information technology skills that are in increasing demand, and help them connect their skills to careers that use them

When is the course?

Distance Learning Course (12 weeks)
Summer Institute, held in Tempe, AZ
Classroom Implementation Phase
Research Showcase (Saturday event)

January-May 2006
June 19-23 and 26-30, 2006
August 2006-April 2007
April 2007

Who should attend?

Classroom teachers of 7th through 12th grade who have access to computers and are willing to use innovative technology and scientific research pedagogy to engage students in learning will benefit from this program. Participants are expected to be teaching science, technology, engineering, or mathematics courses in the 2006/2007 school year.

Eyes in the Sky is actively seeking teachers in schools with historically underserved student populations. Applicants need not live in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, but the program does not offer reimbursement for extended travel, room, or board.

How do I apply?

Fill out and submit the online application at http://EyesInTheSky.terc.edu/apply by November 30, 2005. Applicants will be notified of their status by December 2, 2005.

What are my responsibilities?

As with any course of professional development, your level of success in Eyes in the Sky will be tied to the time and effort you put into it. The following statements outline your responsibilities and outcomes for the program.

  • I will apply for admission to Northern Arizona University and register online for the course as instructed in email or by seeking assistance over the phone. Upon successful completion of the four-part program, in April of 2007, I will receive 4 graduate-level university credits for GLG 602.

  • I will participate in and complete the 12-week distance learning course on geospatial information technologies held from January through May, 2006. I will spend 4-6 hours per week working on course assignments and contributing to online class discussions.

    • NOTE: It has been our experience that participants who rely solely upon school computers and Internet connections experience more difficulty completing the course than those who have access to home computers. We highly recommend that you have uninterrupted blocks of time with complete access to a single computer in your home on which you can install software, download files, and send and receive email.

  • I will attend and participate in the two-week summer institute. The institute will be held at Tempe High School, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. June 19-30, 2006. I understand that I will receive a stipend of $75/day for participating in the institute.

    • NOTE: Daily attendance at this institute in Tempe, AZ is a required part of the program. The project does not provide funds for travel, room, or board.

  • I will work with computer lab personnel at my school and/or district to ensure that ArcView GIS and ImageJ software packages are properly installed on school computers and available to my students during the 2006-07 school year. Eyes in the Sky staff will support me in this endeavor.

  • I will implement an authentic research project incorporating GIT technologies (developed by or in conjunction with Eyes in the Sky project staff) with a group of students at my school for at least one year, from the fall of 2006 through the spring of 2007.

  • I will receive implementation support through the school year by participating in the Eyes in the Sky online community from the fall of 2006 through the spring of 2007.

  • I will attend and participate in the Saturday Research Showcase event in April 2007. Students who have worked on authentic research projects at my school will present their results in oral or poster format.

  • I agree to sign and return an Informed Consent Notice, indicating my willingness to participate in a research and development project.

  • I will consider attending an informal meeting of Eyes in the Sky participants and staff on Saturday, January 21, 2006. This optional meeting will be an opportunity to meet other participants and become familiar with the distance learning course software. The meeting will be from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at a location (to be announced) within the metropolitan Phoenix area. Lunch will be provided.

What if I have questions about Eyes in the Sky?

Carla McAuliffe (Carla_McAuliffe@terc.edu) or LuAnn Dahlman (LuAnn_Dahlman@terc.edu)

 
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