Frequently Asked Questions
Any teacher employed full time in a high school or middle school in the United States (or United States territory) is eligible. Preference will be given to applications that come from schools that serve underrepresented populations in STEM. If you have previously received a STEM Research Grant, you are eligible to apply again. A teacher is eligible to receive up to $5,000 in any combination of kits and funds every 3 years. Teachers who are teaching in US schools overseas are eligible if their school provides a US diploma to graduates.
The application will close in October (please see application for specifics). The review process will take approximately 2 – 3 weeks. Grantees will be notified in November. Grantees requesting funding for specialized equipment will receive a paper check mailed to their school or school district. Grantees selected to receive a kit will receive the bulk of their equipment by the end of the calendar year, depending on manufacturer availability. Society staff will communicate any delays if/when they occur.
If you have specific equipment in mind you should apply for up to $5,000.
If you don’t have a need for specific equipment, if you are just starting out with independent student research, or if you prefer to receive the items off of the take-home kit list, you should apply for $1,000 worth of take-home kits.
3 Arduino Student Kits: A kit that lets students explore the basics of programming, coding and electronics including current, voltage, and digital logic.
1 Leaf Pack Stream Ecology Kit: Students can investigate the health of freshwater ecosystems by collecting data on the abundance and diversity of organisms. Kit includes tree identification manual, macroinvertebrate identification cards, strainer, petri dishes, sample trays, thermometers, hand lenses, and instructions.
1 Soil Test Kit and one refill: This kit includes tests for soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH. Also includes one refill of all consumables.
2 PocketLab Voyagers: a wireless, multi-functional, remote sensor that measures acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic field, temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, humidity, heat index, and more.
Yes, you can apply for one or both grants. If you are selected, it will be for one or the other, not both.
We expect that grantees will deliver a final report, including photos, on the use of the equipment. The deadline will be clearly communicated at least 30 days in advance and will be dependent upon the timing of receipt of equipment. Photos should include students using the equipment as well as some photos with the teacher included. Any student that is identifiable in a photo will require a photo release signed by a parent or guardian.
All equipment is considered property of the school, not the individual teacher.
Grantees will also be expected to notify the Society if they change schools or are otherwise unable to utilize the equipment and will identify another teacher at that school to take over the responsibilities.
When you are initially filling out the application, make sure to “Save as Draft” early and often. You can save and come back to your application at any time before the submission deadline. You will log in using your username and password to edit your application. You can also edit your application after it has been submitted as final, as long as it is before the submission deadline.
Please email Teachers@societyforscience.org.