MIT pK-12 Learning Grant 2020

Full details for this grant opportunity can be found at jwel.submittable.com. Please use the MIT pK-12 Learning Grant 2020 Budget Template when submitting.

Dates

Proposals for this grant are due Tuesday, February 11, 2020. 

Selected modules will take place this upcoming Summer 2020. The expected timeline for this program is below.

Timeline

January 23, 2020	Requests for Proposals Released
February 3-6, 2020	Applicant “Office Hours”
February 11, 2020	RFP Applications Due
Late February 2020	Awardees Announced
March/April 2020	Project Content Developed and Playtested
May 2020	Module Content Finalized

Summary

The pK-12 Action Group is seeking programming for an upcoming summer program for 10-14 year old students with the theme Everybody Eats. Submissions must include a description of a complete module that includes both a lesson and an activity (5 hours cumulative time with short breaks built in between). Modules should be interactive and hands-on, with content relevant to the theme of Everybody Eats (example topics can include, but are not limited to, Agricultural Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Computer Science; Economics; Electrical Engineering; Food Science; Macro- and Microbiology; Material Science; Mechanical Engineering; Molecular Gastronomy; Supply Chain Management). Each module must be designed to accommodate two separate age groups (10-12 year olds and 13-14 year olds will be in different classrooms) that will have at least 50 participants each. These modules will take place during the first week of the program, leading up to a second week where students will design and develop their own projects around challenges related to food in their local region.

Program Description and Purpose

Modules that are developed are used during MIT STEAM camp programs that bring MIT’s Mens et Manus approach to learning to both children and educators. Students will work together, designing and building innovative projects that they can share with their local communities and families. During the camp, they will engage in hands-on activities and explore the use of digital technologies and tools (Scratch, App Inventor, and others have been previously used) that promote creativity, invention, and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the central theme of this year’s module development is Everybody Eats, and students will receive enrichment in three ways:

1. Curated modules from MIT can cover key principles in subjects such as art, biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and programming among others.
2. Students will work with ambassadors from MIT along with local educators who will help them with their projects.
3. The two-week camps culminate with community-wide open houses that give students the opportunity to share what they have learned, from the formulation of ideas to the design, iteration, and construction of projects.

Functioning as a continuing pilot for future programming, the purpose of this call for proposals is not only to serve as content for summer programming, but also to offer greater opportunities for those in our MIT outreach community to work and have influence in new areas. We aim to bring both content and individuals abroad to demonstrate and educate about how MIT is expanding STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning experiences for K-12 students and learners of all ages.

Funding for this grant program is based on the expectation that the results of the projects will be made open source or otherwise available via a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 International License.

Proposal Goals

Proposals can be submitted online through submittable.com. Please use the MIT pK-12 Learning Grant 2020 Budget Template when submitting.

The pK-12 Action Group is seeking programming for an upcoming summer program for 10-14 year old students with the theme Everybody Eats. Submissions must include a description of a complete module that includes both a lesson and an activity (5 hours cumulative time with short breaks built in between). Modules should be interactive and hands-on, with content relevant to the theme of Everybody Eats (example topics can include, but are not limited to, Agricultural Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Computer Science; Economics; Electrical Engineering; Food Science; Macro- and Microbiology; Material Science; Mechanical Engineering; Molecular Gastronomy; Supply Chain Management). Each module must be designed to accommodate two separate age groups (10-12 year olds and 13-14 year olds will be in different classrooms) that will have at least 50 participants each. However, ideas about how proposals could be adjusted to meet the needs of both elementary- and high school-level students are welcome. These modules will take place during the first week of a summer program, leading up to a second week where students will design and develop their own projects around challenges related to food in their local region.

Please include a detailed teacher education lesson and/or activity that will accompany your module, highlighting both the pedagogical approach and ways teachers can integrate these activities into their regular school year curriculum. Selected modules will also be developed and tested during trainings and playtests between March and May. Selected module authors will be expected to participate. 

Ideally, we would also like to invite members of the MIT K-12 community to participate as facilitators at these camps, possibly leading both lesson and teacher professional development opportunities. These individuals may include MIT employees or students (both undergrad and graduate). Please indicate your summer availability if you are potentially interested in joining. Spots are limited and dependent on availability. Staff availability will not determine accepted proposals, and modules can be led by other MIT affiliates.For examples of ideal submissions from the past, please refer to these modules: Animal Aerodynamics and Ocean Acidification.

Module description: a full description of the module including the topic’s lesson and activity, how it will differ for the younger and older age groups, and a write-up of intended learning goals for the students and thoughts about how to determine the success of the module (clarity about assessment welcomed). Proposals that make connections to MIT research will be given greater attention.

Teacher professional development: a layout of the module’s related session for participating educators along with the intended learning goals for teachers to bring back to their own classrooms. Proposals that make connections to any curriculum standards will be given greater attention.

Why is this relevant?: an explanation to justify both why your proposal is uniquely appropriate for this program and why it is important for the pK-12 Action Group to sponsor it.

Biographical profiles of team: a list of the staff that are developing the module along with potential travel availability.

Itemized budget and narrative: a spreadsheet of development costs and the materials and supplies needed for the week along with a justification for all listed.

Submitting Your Proposal

All MIT programs, faculty, students and staff are encouraged to apply. Proposals should be submitted at jwel.submittable.com by Tuesday, February 11, 2020 by 5:00 pm. 

Office hours will be held between February 3-6, 2020 in the Office of Open Learning (Building NE49, 600 Technology Square, Cambridge) for applicants to ask questions, discuss project ideas, and provide any clarification before submitting their proposals. Please contact pk12-rfp@mit.edu with any appointment requests or questions.