What We Do

The Science Teacher Field Institute is a professional development program for Chicago Public School teachers to promote leadership and excellence in science education.

Each year, ten Neil Campbell Fellows are selected to be members of Project Exploration’s Science Teacher Field Institute.  The Institute begins in the summer of each year with a three-week immersion experience. First, we spend a week in Chicago exploring the nature of science and key questions in research science. Then Fellows head to the Lost in Time Ranch in eastern Montana for a week of geology, paleontology, and astronomy fieldwork alongside scientists.

In our third week, Fellows return to Chicago to create a digital portfolio and prepare to bring their discoveries back to the classroom. Fellows participate in ongoing support, resources, and professional development after the summer experience and have the option of receiving graduate credit through National-Louis University or CPDUs.

Eligibility: The 2009 program is open to Chicago Public School educators only. Priority will be given to K-12 classroom teachers and to applicant “teams” of two or more educators from the same school or school network. First-year teachers are not eligible to apply at this time.

Fees: There are no fees to participate. Supplies, materials, travel to and from the field site, food and lodging in Montana, field gear, and classroom resources are provided free to Fellows thanks to generous support from the Pearson Foundation and Rochelle Campbell.

Sponsored by Rochelle Campbell