Interested in participating?

Teachers:

Starting during the 2021-2022 school year, we will be offering free virtual and in-person classroom visits with a scientist and periodic teacher professional development opportunities to Florida public schools and public school teachers statewide. Those interested in participating in the program should fill out our “Request a Scientist” form​, which guides participants through a series of questions that help align visits with state standards and lessons.

In addition to classroom-specific scientist visits, we are also hosting a number of free and publically available livestream events and field trips for your K-12 classroom to join in on throughout the school year. See what we have planned on our Upcoming Events calendar.

For recent and upcoming K-12 professional development opportunities:

If you have already participated in a scientist visit, please leave your feedback by filling out our “Post Scientist Visit Evaluation” form. 

Scientists:

Are you a scientist or graduate student interested in visiting a Florida classroom? Does your research focus on air, water, land or life? We would love to help connect you to K-12 students. Please fill out the “Scientist Participation” form and we will contact you shortly. You can also sign up for our monthly “Scientist Scope” email newsletter to keep up with the SEFS program and ways to get involved.

Applying for an NSF grant proposal? Consider collaborating with SEFS for your Broader Impacts activities. Learn more at the following link: SEFS Broader Impacts.

Additional Forms/Links:

Know of a Dedicated SEFS Teacher?

The SEFS Team recognizes teachers across the state of Florida who are actively involved in the program. Awarded to a deserving teacher each quarter, the SEFS SuperStar Award is based on the following criteria:

Nominations are always open and can be submitted by administrators, teachers, and parents.

SEFS SuperStar Award Teacher Nomination Form

Teacher Testimonials

…My goodness, we had a WONDERFUL TIME! ALL of us are so thrilled with our virtual field trip experience, and our students on their way to lunch were talking and sharing what they learned. And absolutely, when there is a will…there’s a way! You and UF made this experience possible for our students and teachers too!

4th-grade teacher, Miami-Dade County

…Thank you for the BEST professional development I have ever attended. The content was perfect for all grade levels and the scientists presenting were amazing. Everyone involved from the professors to the grad students were so friendly and patient and truly loved sharing their research with all of the teachers. I feel so rejuvenated and can’t wait to go back to school and share what I learned with students and colleagues… 

11th and 12th-grade biology and environmental science teacher, Marion County 

…Working directly with my scientist was so meaningful on both a professional and personal level. He is an expert in translating science into practice. I came away with concrete activities and further developed my own understanding. Looking forward to connecting and bringing scientists into my classroom... 

10th-grade science teacher, Palm Beach County 

…I was exceedingly impressed at the interaction between my students and the scientist.  Thank you so much for this opportunity and I look forward to future Zoom or face to face meetings with UF Scientists in Every Florida School again.  I am a strong advocate for this outreach…

7th and 8th-grade teacher, Escambia County

…Thanks for the feedback! So glad to hear that students were motivated by the experience. We are so fortunate to be able to connect our schools with scientists. Thanks for taking advantage of the opportunity that the Thompson Earth Systems Institute and the University of Florida have provided our district…

K-12 STEM Coordinator, Lee County

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