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Becoming a Science Ambassador

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Science Ambassador! This program provides a great opportunity for current and pre-service middle and high school science teachers to broaden their knowledge and expertise regarding public health-related science. By participating in this program, you have the opportunity to learn from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC scientists about interesting and real public health problems. The following information describes what the Science Ambassador program entails. We look forward to your participation as a Science Ambassador! We are not accepting applications after March 21, 2008, for the Science Ambassador Workshop. If you have any questions or concerns or wish to be placed on our mailing list, please send us an e-mail at scienceambassador@cdc.gov. Click here to find out more about the Science Ambassador program. Click here to find out detailed information about the application process. The Science Ambassador program includes the following activities: Workshop — Participants of the program attend one 5-day workshop held at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. Two workshops are scheduled to accommodate participants' school schedules. The first workshop will be held on June 16–20, 2008, and the second on July 21–25, 2008. Each workshop covers multiple topics, to be announced later. The Science Ambassador staff will try to accommodate participants’ first choice of workshop dates and topics. During each workshop, participants will: interact with CDC scientists, participate in multiple sessions on selected topics led by public health scientists participate in a seminar on developing educationally relevant lesson plans, work in teams to develop model lesson plans based on the sessions presented, enhance their professional network of science teachers and practicing scientists, tour selected CDC facilities. and present their new lesson plans to peers at the end of the workshop. CDC funds travel, lodging, and lunches for participants during the workshops. Lesson Plan Development — Participants receive training on how to develop lesson plans by using CDC’s guidelines. After the training, participants are divided into groups to develop two model lesson plans, which are based on the content presented at the workshop, and participants have the opportunity to consult with CDC scientists while developing the lesson plans. At the end of the workshop, participants submit complete drafts of their two lesson plans. The Science Ambassador staff evaluates and revises the plans to ensure they meet CDC standards. The revised lesson plans are then returned to the participants for review and feedback. Participants have a week to return their feedback, and CDC carefully considers the participants' comments and modifies the lesson plans according to CDC's publication standards. The lesson plans continue through CDC’s review process and are published on CDC’s and other educational Internet sites. Return to Top 2008 Lesson Plan Development Timeline Workshop I — June 16-20, 2008 Post Workshop I Activities Complete drafts of two lesson plans due Science Ambassador staff revise the lesson plans Lesson plans returned to participants for review and feedback Participants' feedback due to CDC staff CDC staff finalize and publish the lesson plans Workshop II — July 21–25, 2008 Post Workshop II Activities Complete drafts of two lesson plans due Science Ambassador staff revise the lesson plans Lesson plans returned to participants for review and feedback Participants' feedback due to CDC staff CDC staff finalize and publish the lesson plans   Lesson Plan Implementation — Participants are required to implement at least two lesson plans developed through the Science Ambassador program. One of the required plans each participant will implement is his or her own plan, but the second plan may be selected from any of the lesson plans developed by other Science Ambassadors. Science Ambassador Evaluation — Participants will be asked to evaluate the workshop, the lesson plan development process, implementation of the lesson plans, and the Science Ambassador program overall. Evaluation forms will be provided. Return to Top Application Process The application process is subject to change from year to year; however, the standard application process follows: Application Submission The application requires basic biographical and teaching information, an up-to-date résumé or curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, a sample science lesson plan, and a copy of the applicant's teaching certificate. For more details and samples of what CDC considers an effective lesson plan, click here. Telephone Interviews Telephone interviews allow applicants to expand on information provided in the application. Questions focus on multiple areas, including lesson plan development experience, interest in public health, and the ability to follow through with commitments. Telephone interviews usually occur approximately 3-4 weeks after the application submission deadline. Selection and Notification Upon completion of the telephone interviews, teachers whose talent, interest, and enthusiasm best complements the program are selected. Selections are made approximately 5-6 weeks after the application deadline, and selected participants are notified as soon as possible by email, then letter. For additional information on the selection criteria, click here. Lesson Plan Information Lesson Title The lesson title should reflect the contents of the lesson in a fully descriptive and engaging way. Primary Learning Outcomes Primary learning outcomes describe skills and knowledge students will acquire upon completion of the lesson (i.e., the goals and objectives of the lesson). These outcomes should be measurable and assessed as part of the lesson. Procedures Procedures provide detailed descriptions of how lesson plans are conducted from start to finish. Each step of any procedure should accomplish a particular piece of the lesson, including teaching strategies that fulfill primary learning outcomes. Steps should include text and such resources as Internet sites, supporting documents, and rubrics. Lessons should be original. Any quoted or paraphrased information must be referenced, in accordance with U.S. and international laws regarding copyright and intellectual properties. Assessment Mastery of any lesson should be assessed for effectiveness, and Science Ambassador assessments include quizzes, tests, rubrics, and checklists that indicate the extent to which students have mastered concepts introduced in the primary learning outcomes.   Return to Top Selection Criteria The Science Ambassador program's advisory committee will weigh potential participants' academic and professional experience, lesson plans, and personal statements of intent. The advisory committee's review is followed by letters of recommendation. Furthermore, the advisory committee ensures that a range of grade levels are represented in the program each year and that multiple states are represented in the program each year. Examples of selection criteria include, but are not limited to the following: Academic and Professional Experience Demonstrates experience in lesson plan and curriculum development. Participates in extracurricular or volunteer activities. Has experience or holds a college degree in science (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physical science). Has experience or state certification in elementary or secondary education. Lesson Plan Demonstrates abilities in developing students’ knowledge. Presents information in creative and innovative ways. Follows a clear easy format. Engages multiple meaningful teaching methods and styles that adapt to students’ learning styles. Personal Statement Articulates a clear commitment to the Science Ambassador program. Exemplifies strong relationships with and role model behavior for students. Understands the relationship between science and public health. Letters of Recommendation Describes examples of how the applicant has mentored students. Describes the applicant's ability to fulfill commitments. Describes the applicant's ability to work as a team. Provides a vision of the school administration's support of the applicant's participation in the program. All applicants are expected to use correct spelling and grammar, and errors will be considered during the selection process. Return to Top

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
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