Join Us!
The MothEd Project is looking to recruit science teachers who teach 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade science to implement a hands on 3 to 4 week unit in moth ecology in their teaching this spring. In this unit, students build their own moth traps and investigate their own research questions about moth abundance and moth diversity in local communities.
Teachers who are selected to participate will receive $500 in compensation to support their time investment in the project.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR SPRING 2024.
FAQ:
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the MothEd teacher program?
A: Anyone who teaches grade 4 – grade 8 science in the United States is eligible to participate.
Q: Will I really get paid to do this?
A: Yes – teachers who are selected to participate in the spring 2024 implementation season will receive $500 compensation, provided that they participate in the required meetings, implement the curricular materials, and provide us with feedback.
Q: What will be expected of me as a MothEd teacher this spring?
A: You will be required to participate in virtual MothEd teacher cohort meetings. These will be scheduled around teacher schedules, and will occur up to 3-4 times per month, starting in early March. You will also be required to implement the MothEd curricular materials in your classroom. If you are still interested in participating further, after your spring experience, there will be an opportunity for some of our teachers to travel to MSU during the summer to participate in a 3-4 day workshop (dates tbd).
Q: How long does it take to implement the Moth Ed curricular materials?
A: This is up to you. Generally, implementations take anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks, depending on the teacher and classroom.
Q: What kind of classroom supplies will I need to buy?
A: We will be providing participating teachers with a MothEd supply kit which will include just about all the supplies you will need for implementation. You will need to ask you students to supply their own 2L pop bottles.
Q. Will you come to my school to help me implement the curricular materials?
A: There is a chance we might ask for your permission to visit your classroom, but we would primarily be there in an observational role.
Q. Is the MothEd program only looking for experienced educators?
A: Nope! Teachers of all levels of experience are welcome to apply.
Q. What technology will be involved; will students need access to computers in the classroom?
A: We are developing a software platform to help students catalogue and analyze their data. You may choose to use this as part of your spring implementation, or you can incorporate it at a later date.
Q: What else do I need to know?
A: If you are interested in giving students hands-on experiences doing scientific research, connecting with other teachers from across the country, and engaging in an innovative approach to student learning, then this project might be for you!
Q: How do I sign up?
A: You can submit an application using this link, or by clicking the application link at the top of this page.
Q: When will teachers be selected and notified?
A: Teachers will be notified in early March as to whether or not they have been selected to apply.
Q: What should I do if I have more questions?
A: You can email the MothEd project manager, Brian Keas: bkeas@msu.edu