My fellowship is called the Science of the Matter.  I will be working with scientists at the Morehead Planetarium to create a high school component for the NC Science Festival, which happens over two weeks every year in April.  The great part about the festival is that there are science events that happen all over the state during those two weeks!  It’s not just one event at one location.  They have implemented an excellent “Science Night” with kits for elementary teachers and “Invite a Scientist” for middle school teachers to bring scientists into their classrooms.  However, they do not have an option to offer to high school teachers.

My fellowship involves creating a “Discussion Room” that will provide an opportunity for high school students to debate current science issues and their societal implications.  I will develop general discussion guidelines in order to help high school teachers learn how to run a successful debate with teenagers.  I will also create discussion tools for at least one content based debate that will include research articles, student pre- and post-assignments, specific debate questions, and assessment tools.  Finally, I will attempt to match scientists with teachers so that the scientists can become involved in the debate process through online discussion boards or Skype conversations.