NIST Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers (NIST Summer Institute) Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NIST Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers Program?

The NIST Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers (NIST Summer Institute) Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It is designed to bring middle school science teachers to the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland for a professional learning experience centered on real-world science and engineering.

What is the purpose of this grant opportunity?

The purpose is to provide a professional learning experience for middle school science teachers through hands-on activities, lectures, guided tours, and direct interactions with NIST scientists and engineers. The experience is intended to give teachers exposure to measurement science, engineering research, and standards work that can strengthen classroom instruction in grades 6 through 8.

Where does the program take place?

The program takes place on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Which grades does the program focus on?

The program is intended to strengthen science instruction for grades 6 through 8 (middle school).

What types of activities are included in the experience?

Based on the opportunity description, selected teachers participate in hands-on activities, lectures, guided tours, and direct interactions with NIST scientists and engineers.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to public school districts and accredited private educational institutions located in the United States and its territories that provide middle school level science instruction (grades 6 to 8).

Can individual public middle schools apply directly?

No. Individual public middle schools may not apply directly to NIST. The application must be submitted by the school district or by the accredited private educational institution.

Can individual teachers apply directly?

No. Teachers may not apply directly to NIST. Teachers must be nominated by an eligible applicant organization (a public school district or an accredited private educational institution).

What subjects or coursework must the eligible institution provide?

Eligible institutions must offer coursework in general science fields such as earth science, physical science, chemistry, physics, and/or biology.

How are teachers selected to participate?

The applicant organization submits the application and nominates teachers for participation. Nominated teachers must also meet the teacher-level eligibility requirements described in Section III.1 of the full funding opportunity announcement.

Is there a limit on how many teachers can be nominated?

Yes. Each applicant organization is limited to nominating no more than one teacher per middle school. If a district has multiple middle schools, it may submit multiple nominations, but only one teacher can be nominated from each individual middle school site.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 2012 NIST SUMMER INSTITUTE 01.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 11.609 (Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards).

What category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity aligns with the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for applicants in the information provided. This means participants are not required to contribute a defined non-federal share as a condition of eligibility.

How could applications be submitted?

Applications could be submitted either by paper or electronically.

Where were paper applications sent?

Paper applications were directed to Dr. Susan Heller Zeisler, National Institute of Standards and Technology, International and Academic Affairs Office, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1090, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1090.

What email address was used for electronic submissions?

Electronic submissions were accepted by email at summerinstitute@nist.gov.

What was the application deadline?

All applications, whether paper or electronic, had to be received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 21, 2012.

Were late applications accepted?

No. Late applications were not reviewed or considered.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date (and creation date) listed for the opportunity was December 21, 2011.

Is this funding opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was later archived on April 22, 2012.

Who was listed as the contact for paper submission questions?

Paper applications were directed to Dr. Susan Heller Zeisler at NIST. A phone number listed in the opportunity information is 301-975-3111.

Who was listed for technical issues accessing the full announcement?

For questions or technical issues accessing the full announcement, the listed contact was Christopher Hunton, Grants Technical Assistant, at 301-975-5718.

Where can applicants find the detailed program requirements and selection criteria?

The opportunity references a link labeled "2012 NIST SUMMER INSTITUTE 01 Full Announcement," which would contain detailed program requirements, selection criteria, and teacher eligibility conditions that must be followed when nominating participants.

Does the provided information include the teacher-level eligibility requirements?

No. The information provided notes that nominated teachers must meet specific teacher-level eligibility requirements described in Section III.1 of the full funding opportunity announcement, but those requirements are not included in the summary text.