INDIANAPOLIS -- Teachers have their hands full juggling lesson plans, patrolling hallways, tending to ill students and other responsibilities each day during the school year. So why should teachers make the time to learn how to get their students involved in science fairs?

Because science and math education will play an even more vital role in the evolving needs of our workforce, especially in targeted sectors like advanced manufacturing, life sciences and information technology, according to leaders at the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI). A new program will show teachers how to motivate students to create compelling, educational projects.

The Science Fairs 101 Workshop is designed to assist teachers in conducting science fairs and teaching scientific concepts. This workshop is an expanded version of a curriculum that has been refined during the last two Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (HASTI) conventions. The workshops will be held at three locations around the state. Deb Robertson, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Teacher's Resource Center Program Manager and Natalie Barman (Organization and Title), will lead the discussions.

The workshops will be held on July 23 at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne; on July 30 at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany and IUPUI on August 28 in Glendale Mall. Topics will include science fair project ideas, information about quality resources and timelines, correlation with Indiana academic standards and helpful hints related to judging.

Space is limited in each location to 25 teachers, who will be paid $75 each for attending and $25 each for completion of the final evaluation if received before the deadline in 2005. Teachers interested in participating in one of these workshops should contact 317.466.0344 or email bhakes@iupui.edu

The workshops are a collaborative effort sponsored by the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI), the Indiana Science Education Alliance, IUPUI School of Education and the Teacher's Resource Center and the Schools of Continuing Studies at IUPUI, IUS, and IPFW. This workshop is supported by an ESEA, Title II, Part A grant from the Indiana Department of Education.

About SEFI

The Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging students to choose careers in math and science and practice these careers in Indiana. SEFI focuses on issues affecting math and science education in Indiana, and also administers the state's regional science and engineering fairs. SEFI is also responsible for bringing the Intel ISEF to Indianapolis in 2006, attracting over 5,000 visitors - including key scientific and business leaders in the life sciences - to Indiana's capitol city.