Campus News

UK Seeking High School Science Teachers to Apply for 3D Learning Program

Lin Xiang
Lin Xiang, an assistant professor of science education, who is leading the 3D learning program at UK.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 3, 2019) — The University of Kentucky College of Education Department of STEM Education is seeking high school science teachers who are interested in working with UK faculty to develop computer-enhanced science units they can implement and teach within their school’s curriculum.

“Science teachers with experience teaching biology or chemistry and who are interested in using computer models to construct learning experiences are ideal candidates for this,” said Lin Xiang, an assistant professor of science education who is leading the program. “We will weave scientific practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts into the experience.”

The yearlong program is supported by a grant from the UK Office of the Vice President for Research. The participant teachers will attend a two-day workshop in summer 2019. During the 2019-2020 academic year, the teachers will develop and implement a computer-enhanced unit, as well as attend monthly program meetings, which will be held online and last 60-90 minutes, with the exception of one half-day meeting that will be held in a UK facility. The participant teachers who complete all program activities will be paid up to $1,400 for participating.

The cohort of selected secondary science teachers will learn to integrate computer models into their classrooms for students to learn about complex systems and processes through three-dimensional learning. Lesson topics may include chemical equilibrium, geographic changes, ecosystem dynamics, inheritance and evolution by natural selection.

Criteria for applicants:

  • Must teach science at the secondary level.
  • A minimum of three years teaching experience in biology or chemistry.
  • Desire to integrate simulation or modeling tools into science teaching.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Willing to share instructional thoughts and ideas with the project’s principal investigator and other participant teachers.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.

For more information, contact Lin Xiang via email at lin.xiang@uky.edu. To apply, submit the application using this link.