MIT Sea Grant now accepting applications for the Sea Perch Institute 2011-2012 school year. Due Sept 30.

MIT Sea Grant College Program is now accepting applications for the Sea Perch Institute 2011-2012 school year. Sea Perch Institute is an innovative, yearlong teacher training course and a project-based, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program for students. Under the mentorship of MIT Sea Grant educators and engineers, teachers work with their students to design, prototype, and implement a solution to a directed ocean engineering challenge. At the end of the school year, teams are invited to the MIT campus for the Sea Perch Institute Challenge final event. MissionSea Perch Institute’s mission is to bring engineering design into the classroom. We help teachers introduce STEM concepts through hands-on learning. Sea Perch Institute engages teachers and students in challenging, real-world problems through collaboration – not competition.Requirements1) A school team must include a lead teacher and at least one supporting teacher.2) School teams must have the support of the school’s supervisor or principal.3) If accepted, team teachers must commit to the full year of programming, including:- Attending four of five professional development meetings- Completing coursework with student participation, including developing a project budget, preparing a design proposal, and preparing a classroom implementation plan- Building a Sea Perch ROV, or other similar vehicle, in the classroom- Attending year-end Sea Perch Institute Challenge eventHow to Apply1) Download and complete the application form.2) Return the application by email, to seagrant-ed@mit.edu, by September 30, 2011.Questions?To learn more about the program, or ask questions you might have, contact:Rachel VanCottEducatorOcean Literacy Communicatorvancott@mit.edu617 253-5944