Opportunity Information: Apply for 10 512
Apply for 10 512
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Geoscience Education" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050 Geosciences.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 23, 2010 and posted on Dec 8, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 12, 2011 Full Proposal Deadline(s) October 12, 2011 Full Proposals Due. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $5,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 40 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity within NSF's Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) designed to strengthen how people learn about the Earth system and to build a stronger, more diverse geoscience workforce. The program funds projects that aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of geoscience education across both formal settings (like schools and colleges) and informal settings (like museums, science centers, media, after-school programs, and community-based learning). A central theme is increasing public understanding of Earth system science while also improving recruitment, training, and long-term retention of students and professionals entering geoscience fields.
The opportunity emphasizes innovative or transformative approaches that can demonstrate real improvements in learning, participation, and engagement. NSF is looking for projects that increase the number of students who pursue geoscience coursework and career pathways, broaden participation for groups that have historically been underrepresented in the geosciences, and strengthen public engagement with Earth system science topics. While the program will consider proposals that focus on basic research related to geoscience learning and education, that type of research is not the main priority for this solicitation. Instead, projects are expected to be grounded in what is already known about how students learn and what works in effective STEM education, with a strong expectation that the proposal will show a clear pathway from activities to measurable outcomes.
For the FY 2010 and FY 2012 cycles referenced in the solicitation, NSF highlights four main focus areas. First is advancing Earth system science literacy, with particular attention to strengthening geoscience education in grades K-14 (which generally spans kindergarten through the first two years of college) and within informal learning environments. Second is developing and training the scientific and technical workforce needed for 21st-century geoscience careers, including efforts that support preparation, skills development, and persistence in geoscience pathways. Third is the use of modern technologies to expand access to geoscience education and to create new ways of using geoscience research activities and data for educational purposes, such as integrating real-world datasets, field and laboratory experiences, visualization tools, remote sensing resources, or cyberinfrastructure-enabled learning. Fourth is building regional networks and alliances that connect scientists, K-12 and higher education faculty, informal educators, and other stakeholders to improve geoscience education and broaden participation through coordinated, community-based efforts.
A required element across proposals is an appropriate evaluation or assessment plan. NSF expects applicants to define how they will measure effectiveness and impact, such as learning outcomes, participation changes, increased persistence in geoscience pathways, improved instructional practices, expanded access, or stronger institutional and regional collaborations. The emphasis on evaluation signals that the program is not just supporting good ideas in principle, but projects that can document results and provide evidence of what works, for whom, and under what conditions.
The solicitation accepts multiple proposal types. Track 1 supports pilot or proof-of-concept projects, which are typically smaller in scope and aimed at testing new approaches or models. Track 2 supports integrative collaborations, generally involving broader partnerships or more comprehensive, coordinated efforts. The program also accepts proposals to support conferences or workshops that align with GeoEd's mission, such as convenings to share effective practices, develop community resources, form alliances, or plan larger-scale initiatives.
Key administrative details include a total estimated funding level of $5,000,000 and an award ceiling of $500,000, with an expected 40 awards. Cost sharing is not required. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning proposals are broadly open to different types of entities, subject to any clarifications in the full announcement. The funding opportunity number is NSF 10-512 under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences). The opportunity was posted December 8, 2009, with full proposal deadlines noted as March 8, 2010 and October 12, 2011 (the current closing date in the provided record being October 12, 2011). For access issues, NSF directs applicants to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov, and the solicitation is associated with NSF Publication 10-512.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program (NSF 10-512)
1) What is the NSF Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program?
The NSF Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity within the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). It supports projects that strengthen how people learn about the Earth system and helps build a stronger, more diverse geoscience workforce.
2) What are the main goals of this funding opportunity?
The program aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of geoscience education in both formal and informal learning settings, increase public understanding of Earth system science, and improve recruitment, training, and long-term retention of students and professionals entering geoscience fields.
3) What kinds of learning environments can GeoEd projects target?
GeoEd supports both:
- Formal education settings such as schools and colleges.
- Informal education settings such as museums, science centers, media, after-school programs, and community-based learning.
4) What does NSF mean by "Earth system science literacy" in this solicitation?
Within the solicitation, advancing Earth system science literacy refers to strengthening understanding of Earth system science topics, especially across grades K-14 (kindergarten through the first two years of college) and within informal learning environments.
5) What are the four main focus areas highlighted for the FY 2010 and FY 2012 cycles?
NSF highlights four major focus areas:
- Advancing Earth system science literacy, especially for K-14 and informal learning environments.
- Developing and training the 21st-century geoscience workforce, including preparation, skills development, and persistence in geoscience pathways.
- Using modern technologies to expand access and create new educational uses of geoscience research activities and data (for example, real-world datasets, field/lab experiences, visualization tools, remote sensing, and cyberinfrastructure-enabled learning).
- Building regional networks and alliances linking scientists, K-12 and higher education faculty, informal educators, and other stakeholders to improve geoscience education and broaden participation.
6) Does GeoEd prioritize innovative approaches?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes innovative or transformative approaches that can demonstrate real improvements in learning, participation, and engagement.
7) What outcomes is NSF looking for in GeoEd projects?
Based on the solicitation summary, NSF is looking for projects that can show measurable improvements such as:
- Improved learning outcomes related to geoscience and Earth system science
- Increased participation and engagement in geoscience learning
- Increases in the number of students pursuing geoscience coursework and career pathways
- Improved recruitment, training, and long-term retention in geoscience fields
- Broader participation for groups historically underrepresented in the geosciences
- Improved instructional practices or expanded access to geoscience education
- Stronger institutional or regional collaborations and alliances
8) Is basic research on geoscience learning and education allowed?
The program will consider proposals focused on basic research related to geoscience learning and education, but that is not the main priority of the solicitation. Projects are expected to be grounded in what is already known about how students learn and what works in effective STEM education, with a clear pathway from activities to measurable outcomes.
9) What is required in terms of evaluation or assessment?
An appropriate evaluation or assessment plan is a required element across proposals. NSF expects applicants to define how they will measure effectiveness and impact, such as learning outcomes, participation changes, persistence in geoscience pathways, improved instructional practices, expanded access, or strengthened collaborations.
10) Why is evaluation emphasized so strongly?
The emphasis on evaluation reflects that the program is intended to support projects that can document results and provide evidence of what works, for whom, and under what conditions, not only ideas that are promising in principle.
11) What proposal tracks are available under this solicitation?
The solicitation accepts multiple proposal types, including:
- Track 1: Pilot or proof-of-concept projects (typically smaller scope, testing new approaches or models).
- Track 2: Integrative collaborations (generally broader partnerships or more comprehensive, coordinated efforts).
- Conference or workshop proposals: Convenings aligned with GeoEd's mission (for sharing effective practices, developing community resources, forming alliances, or planning larger initiatives).
12) What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?
The total estimated funding level listed is $5,000,000.
13) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $500,000.
14) Approximately how many awards does NSF expect to make?
The solicitation indicates an expected 40 awards.
15) Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required.
16) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning proposals are broadly open to different types of entities, subject to any clarifications in the full announcement.
17) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?
The funding opportunity number is NSF 10-512, under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).
18) When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on December 8, 2009.
19) What are the full proposal deadlines mentioned in the record?
The record notes full proposal deadlines of March 8, 2010 and October 12, 2011, with the closing date shown as October 12, 2011.
20) What NSF publication is associated with this solicitation?
The solicitation is associated with NSF Publication 10-512.
21) Where can applicants get help if they have Grants.gov access issues?
For access issues, NSF directs applicants to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.
22) What types of technology-enabled approaches does GeoEd encourage?
The solicitation highlights using modern technologies to expand access and create new educational uses of geoscience research activities and data, including integrating real-world datasets, field and laboratory experiences, visualization tools, remote sensing resources, and cyberinfrastructure-enabled learning.
23) What does "building regional networks and alliances" mean in practice under this program?
In this solicitation, building regional networks and alliances refers to connecting scientists, K-12 and higher education faculty, informal educators, and other stakeholders to improve geoscience education and broaden participation through coordinated, community-based efforts.
24) How does this program address diversity and broadening participation?
A stated emphasis is to broaden participation for groups that have historically been underrepresented in the geosciences, alongside improving recruitment, training, and long-term retention in geoscience pathways.
Browse more business programs for Science Education
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Science Foundation
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Proactive Recruitment in Introductory Science and Mathematics
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year 2010 Driver s License Security Grant Program (DLSGP)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 10 512
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (10 512) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Proactive Recruitment in Introductory Science and Mathematics Apply for 10 511 Funding Number: 10 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Basin CESU Apply for 10HQPA0024 Funding Number: 10HQPA0024 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Apply for 10 514 Funding Number: 10 514 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,250,000 |
| Assembling the Tree of Life Apply for 10 513 Funding Number: 10 513 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy A Joint Research Funding Opportunity Announcement USDA, DOE Apply for DE FOA 0000223 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000223 Agency: Chicago Service Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cyber Physical Systems Apply for 10 515 Funding Number: 10 515 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Research on Gender in Science and Engineering FY 2010 Apply for 10 516 Funding Number: 10 516 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT ON EXPLORER ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY NNH10ZDA004J Apply for NNH10ZDA004J Funding Number: NNH10ZDA004J Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Pacific Northwest CESU Apply for 10HQPA0026 Funding Number: 10HQPA0026 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, South Florida CESU Apply for 10HQPA0025 Funding Number: 10HQPA0025 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program Apply for USDA GRANTS 122904 001 Funding Number: USDA GRANTS 122904 001 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electrofuels Apply for DE FOA 0000206 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000206 Agency: Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Batteries for Electrical Energy Storage in Transportation (BEEST) Apply for DE FOA 0000207 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000207 Agency: Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| IMPACCT Apply for DE FOA 0000208 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000208 Agency: Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Nimbus Apply for DARPA BAA 10 18 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 10 18 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Materials with Controlled Microstructural Architecture (MCMA) Apply for DARPA BAA 10 16 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 10 16 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Information in a Photon (InPho) Apply for DARPA BAA 10 19 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 10 19 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DHS HS STEM Career Development Grants (CDG) Apply for DHS 10 ST 104 001 Funding Number: DHS 10 ST 104 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Pan American Advanced Studies Institutes Program Apply for 10 517 Funding Number: 10 517 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Young Faculty Award Apply for DARPA RA 10 23 Funding Number: DARPA RA 10 23 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "10 512", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.