The Science center for Teaching, Outreach, and Research on Meteorology (the STORM Project) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) will sponsor a short course entitled Studies in Air Quality for Science Educators in Summer 2009. This intensive, one-week course is designed specifically for middle school and high school science teachers. The course will be offered June 21-26 (Sunday through Friday). The course is limited to 24 participants.

Participants will learn about conceptual models and computer-based tools used to study and forecast air quality. A primary goal of the course is the development by participants of classroom activities in air quality. STORM seeks to produce a set of activities for national distribution. Participants who develop exceptional activities may have the opportunity to work with STORM in the following academic year to refine the set of materials developed in the summer course. This development team will receive a modest stipend in addition to that noted below.

This will be an intensive course. We will begin on Sunday afternoon and end by about 4 p.m. on Friday. There will likely be several evening sessions. Everyone will be expected to participate in all sessions. Participants are strongly advised to reside on campus for the duration of the course. Instructors will be Alan Czarnetzki (Professor of Meteorology) and Timothy Cooney (Professor of Earth Science and Science Education).

Preference will be given to high school science teachers, but middle school science teachers are also eligible to apply. Out-of-state residents are encouraged to apply. Completion of a college-level, introductory weather course or equivalent (e.g., the American Meteorological Society's DataStreme Atmosphere Course) would be helpful, but all applicants will be considered. Tuition, on-campus housing, meals, course materials, a modest $1,000 stipend and 2 graduate credits from UNI will be provided by STORM. The value of the tuition alone for an Iowa resident in Summer 2008 was $718. Travel support based on round-trip mileage will also be provided. Participants are responsible for course application ($25) and graduate admission fees ($30, plus transcript costs if a previous degree is not from UNI).

Applications will be accepted until session is filled, but those received by February 27, 2009 will be given first consideration. Individuals who are accepted will be notified by email on or shortly after March 6th. Application fees will be returned to those not selected for participation in the course. Upon acceptance, we will work individually with participants to ensure graduate admission to UNI.