Welcome to TEMP!
Last updated 2/27/06
This site describes an effort to make programs of Technology-Based Enrichment in Mathematics and Physics (TEMP) available at high schools throughout California. Developed by three COSMOS faculty members at UC Davis, TEMP calls for a collaboration with twenty exemplary teachers of mathematics, physics, and/or computer science who, with strong support from their principals, are interested in "bringing a piece of COSMOS to their schools."
Last fall we submitted a preliminary proposal to NSF's Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. This led to an invitation to submit a full proposal, which has now gone forth. Although we will not know the final outcome until sometime this summer, we seek to establish and maintain contact with teachers who may be interested in committing to such an effort. To facilitate such contacts, we have developed a questionnaire by which teachers can describe their interest, background, and school situation. This questionnaire can be be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here. It can also be obtained by writing
| Kurt Kreith |
| Department of Mathematics |
| University of California |
| Davis, CA 95616-8633 |
We will update this web site as further information becomes available. In the meantime, here are answers to some basic questions about our undertaking.
Questions What content will TEMP address? What technology will TEMP use? What will TEMP ask of participating teachers? How will participating teachers be compensated? What will TEMP ask of participating schools? How can I get further information?
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Replies ITEST stands for "Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers." It is a NSF administered program that seeks to "increase the opportunities for students and teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies in the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics." A full description of the ITEST program is contained in NSF 05-621 which can be downloaded at www.nsf.gov. COSMOS is another name for the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science. Under its auspices, four campuses of the University of California offer residential summer programs for talented students at grades 8-12. Further information about the UC Davis COSMOS program is available at http://cosmos.ucdavis.edu. What content will TEMP address? TEMP is linked to three COSMOS courses offered at UC Davis. They are:
See also the Academics link on the UC Davis COSMOS web site. What technology will TEMP use? Spreadsheets (Excel) and graphing calculators will figure heavily into the mathematics course. The programming of robots will be based on a program called "Not Quite C" while Computational Physics relies on basics of the programming language C. What will TEMP ask of participating teachers? Participating teachers will focus either on Mathematics (as exemplified by the first course listed above) or on Robotics and Physics (as exemplified by the last two courses listed above). During the 2006-07 academic year and ensuing summer they will attend 128 hours of compensated professional development, including attendance at one week of COSMOS. In addition to learning about the enrichment offered in COSMOS, teachers will be challenged to reconcile the emergence of information technology with the standards-based curriculum that guides their regular program of instruction. With materials and financial support from TEMP, participating teachers will commit to the development of programs of technology-based enrichment at their local school and/or school district sites. These programs are likely to be varied, reflecting the needs and opportunities specific to the teacher's school setting. However, all such school-based programs are expected to include a summer institute of at least one week duration. How will participating teachers be compensated? Details on compensation will depend on the budget that is finally approved by NSF. However, our proposal contains the following paragraph: "Given the substantial time commitment TEMP entails, we are keenly aware of the need to provide due compensation to participating teachers. Aside from transportation, lodging, and funds for substitutes, teachers will receive stipends of $100/day for their participation in professional development programs held at UC Davis. Compensation for the school-based programs will be based on the program’s duration and the rate paid for summer school instruction in the school district in which the program is offered. We have also arranged with University Extension to award 8 units continuing education credit for successful completion of TEMP's 128 hours of professional development." What will TEMP ask of participating schools? While TEMP imposes no financial obligations on participating schools, it is expected that the school's administration will be supportive of the teacher's participation in TEMP. In particular, participating schools must be committed to TEMP's goal of making technology-based enrichment available to their students. In addition to providing facilities for such programs, they must also provide the teacher with the flexibility required to participate in TEMP's activities. They should also recognize such participation as an important contribution to the school's program of instruction. Our proposal calls for three successive 1-year programs. Given a favorable funding decision early this summer, selection of the first cohort of 20 participating teachers and schools will occur in August, 2006. While TEMP will entail a 1-year formal commitment from teachers, we expect to stay in touch with TEMP's alumni throughout the duration of our program. Teachers who develop exemplary programs at their schools may be invited to participate in a mentorship role for a second year. How can I get further information? You can download a copy of our proposal to NSF by clicking here. Questions can also be directed to Kurt Kreith via e-mail at kkreith@ucdavis.edu or by writing
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