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Apply

Eligibility

• Open to K-12 teachers
• Preference is given to pairs of teachers from the same school
• Past SDI participants may apply

Application Procedures

Application Materials

Download and fill out the Application

• 1 page letter indicating interest in SDI. (Please include answers to the following questions)
• • What is your interest in design and invention?
  • Why do you think design and invention would be beneficial to your class?
  • Have you utilized design or invention in your classroom? If so, how?
• Resume (no more than 2 pages)
• 2 letters of recommendation (professional)
• 2 sample lesson plans or 1 unit plan
• Signed letter of support from your principal

Application Deadline

All materials must be postmarked by April 28, 2007. We will not accept any materials postmarked after the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the determining factors for acceptance?

A. Determination of participation in SDI is made by group review.

• Sample lesson or unit plan
• Interest in integrating invention and design into curriculum
• Diversity of location and school profile
• Diversity of subject matter
• Preference is given to pairs of teachers from the same school

Q. In exchange for participation what will CHNDM will provide?

A.

• A stipend in the amount of $1,500.00 to each teacher in exchange for his/her participation and attendance in all training/planning activities and the completion of lesson plans, Web postings and evaluation materials
• Training by CHNDM staff, materials and resources toward project development and classroom implementation
• Ongoing assistance and guidance in lesson plan and classroom development
• Travel and lodging for participating teachers traveling over 50 miles

Q. What are accepted participants agreeing to commit to?

A.

• Attend the week long Summer Design Institute sessions, July 2007 from 8:30 – 4:00 p.m.
• Create 2 lesson plans or activities linked to national standards that integrate design content into their classrooms. (1st lesson plan due : November 23, ‘07; 2nd lesson plan due: March 21st ‘08)
• Implement design/invention activities in the classroom during the 2007-2008 school year
• Participate in data collection ,evaluation and in school audio/video documentation as needed
• Contribute comments at least twice per month on the Cooper-Hewitt Web site discussion board
• Participate in National Design Week, October 15 - 19, 2007 from your home school
• Participating teachers also agree that CHNDM shall retain the right to publish and distribute all work created for this project, including compilation texts and the project’s online database. In addition, the participants agree to grant the right for CHNDM to use and authorize others to use your name, likeness, and biographical material as educational resources and for program publicity and institutional promotional purposes.

Q. Do I have to be a design/art teacher in order to apply?

A. No, the Cooper-Hewitt welcomes applicants from diverse teaching backgrounds and subject areas.

Q. May I submit my application by e-mail or fax?

A. No, please mail your application materials together in one package.

Q. When will I be notified?

A. CHNDM notification of acceptance by May 22, 2007

Q. If I have questions who should I contact?

A. Email chschoolprograms@si.edu / Subject: SDI 2007 Applicant Question