Grants & Funding

National Science Foundation

Published Date: January 21, 2010

Program Information

Program Name:

Geoscience Education

Program URL:

http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf10512

Program Year:

Program Description:

The Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program is part of a portfolio of programs within the Directorate for Geosciences that seeks to increase public understanding of Earth system science and foster recruitment, training and retention of a diverse and skilled geoscience workforce for the future. The program achieves these goals by supporting innovative or transformative projects that (1) improve the quality and effectiveness of formal and informal geoscience education at all educational levels; (2) increase the number of students pursuing geoscience education and career paths;(3) broaden participation of traditionally underrepresented groups in the geosciences; and (4) promote public engagement in Earth system science.

In fiscal year(FY) 2010 and FY 2012, the GeoEd program invites proposals in four main areas: (1) advancing public Earth system science literacy, particularly through strengthening geoscience education in grades K-14 and informal education settings; (2) fostering development and training of the diverse scientific and technical workforce required for 21st century geoscience careers; (3) utilizing modern technologies to facilitate and increase access to geoscience education and/or develop innovative approaches for using geoscience research activities and data for educational purposes; and (4) establishing regional networks and alliances that bring together scientists, formal and informal science educators, as well as other stakeholders, in support of improving Earth system science education and broadening participation in the geosciences.

The estimated number of awards is 40. It is anticipated that 35 Track 1 awards and five Track 2 awards will be made. The anticipated funding amount is $5 million, with $3 million available to support Track 1 proposals and $2 million available to support Track 2 proposals. This is a biennial solicitation, with a competition being held in FY 2010 and FY 2012.

Program Restrictions:

The GeoEd Program accepts proposals for pilot or proof-of-concept projects (Track 1) and integrative collaborations (Track 2) , as well as for conferences or workshops related to the mission of the program.

An organization (e.g., a university or museum) may be the lead organization on only one Track 2 proposal submitted per competition.

An individual may be Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on only one proposal submitted per competition to the GeoEd Program, regardless of whether the proposal is submitted under Track 1 or Track 2.

Public Contact Information

Supported Components and Scientific Fields

Supported Components:

Curriculum Development, Teacher Education or Professional Development

General Fields Supported:

Science, Other (specify): Geoscience

Specific Fields Supported:

Earth Systems, Geology

Program Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

Public Organizations, Private Organizations, Faculty Members

If organizations may apply, check which ones:

2-Year Colleges, 4-Year Colleges, Universities, Museums

If students may apply, check which ones:

None provided

Are awards targeted to a specific population group?

No

If yes, check those that apply:

None provided

Is this program limited to organizations or residents within the United States?

Yes

Are awards targeted to people in specific U.S. states?

No

If yes, check those that apply:

None provided

Are awards targeted to a specific region within a state?

No

If yes, specify

Application Process and Program Award Term

Application Process, Initial Contact or Approach:

Proposal

Application Details:

Full Proposals submitted via FastLane: NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, Part I: GrantProposal Guide (GPG) Guidelines apply. The complete text of the GPG is available electronically on the NSFwebsite at:http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg .Full Proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation andSubmission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov Guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide isavailable on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide )

Application Deadline(s)?:

Yes

If yes, date(s):

03/08/2010, 10/12/2011

Deadline Comments:

Full Proposal Deadline(s): March 08, 2010 Full Proposals Due October 12, 2011 Full Proposals Due

Award Duration:

Fixed

Program Competition Information

Year (last reported competition)  

	Number of Applicants	Number of Awards	Total Funding Dollars	Range of Awards
Other Applicants:
Individual Award Rates:
Institutional Award Rates:

Sample of Recent Grantees

Grantee	Award Year	Award