Science Teacher Residency (STaR) Program

STaR Group photo and logo

APPLY NOW FOR ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER'S SCIENCE TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAM (STaR)

STaR is an innovative, hands-on program that is led by expert facilitators and content specialists focused on addressing common misconceptions about STEM subjects that are often taught in the classroom. STaR starts with four days of instruction at Arizona Science Center and one day of asynchronous learning. The program gives participants the tools to take these same lessons back to their schools and classrooms.

Participating teachers also receive a year of mentoring and coaching as part of STaR. At the end of the program, they will walk away with all the materials needed to create lesson plans to effectively teach what they've learned.


Why Apply? STaR Perks Include:

  • Participant stipend
  • $500 worth of supplies for the classroom to implement the content
  • Traveling? We'll cover the hotel!
  • Lunch included daily
  • One year of individualized mentoring and coaching

Life Science

STaR Environmental Science Module

June 12-15, 2023

Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities and one day of asynchronous learning that challenge common student* misconceptions about Environmental Science. Explore the study of the environment and solutions to environmental problems by examining physical, chemical and biological conditions of the environment and their effect on organisms!

Application open through May 5, 2023.

*Focused on grades 4, 5 and 8

Apply Now


Physical Science Module Image

STaR Physical Science Module

July 10-13, 2023

Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities and one day of asynchronous learning that challenge common student* misconceptions about Physical Science. Explore how forces such as pushes and pulls, how gravitational force is universal, how balanced and unbalanced forces affect objects, and so much more! 

Application open through June 2, 2023.

*Focused on grades 4-7

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Horizon of Earth in space

STaR Earth Science Module

October 13-14 & 20-21, 2023

Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions about Earth Science. Explore changes to Earth's surface, provide evidence of past plate motions, and design solutions to predict and minimize the effects of natural hazards.

Application open through September 22, 2023.

*Focused on grades 4, 7 & 8

Apply Now


Criteria to Apply

Your school must meet one of the following:

  • Qualify for Title 1 Funding,
  • Have a large population of Native American and/or Latino students, or
  • Be located in rural Arizona and consistently experience high teacher turnover.

You must teach general education science or STEM in grades three through eight.


Application Requirements

A Letter of Understanding must be submitted to participate.

Agreement outlines:

  • Implement to the best of their ability the lessons modeled during STaR.
  • Attend all 32 hours of in person training and complete all requirements of the virtual work day.
  • Provide feedback to Arizona Science Center to help improve programing.
  • Participate in homework and discussions through our online learning platform.

Learn More About the STaR Program!


Questions?

Email us at str@azscience.org.


Arizona Science Center's STaR program is generously supported by Helios Education Foundation.

About Helios Education Foundation

Helios Education Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to achieve a postsecondary education. The Foundation’s work is driven by four fundamental beliefs in Community, Investment, Equity, and Partnership. Helios invests in programs and initiatives across the full education continuum – from early grade success through postsecondary education. In Arizona, where Latino students comprise the largest percentage of the K-12 public school population, the Foundation is implementing its Arizona Latino Student Success initiative focused on preparing all students - especially students in high poverty, underserved Latino communities - for success. Through Helios’ Florida Regional Student Success Initiative, the Foundation is helping underserved, minority, first-generation students from the state's large population centers in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa achieve a postsecondary education. Since 2006, the Foundation has invested more than $200 million in education programs and initiatives in both states. To learn more about Helios, visit www.helios.org.


Additional support for STaR is generously provided by:

APS | Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust | Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Verizon