Promoting plant biology education and outreach

2012 APPLICATIONS OPEN MARCH 1, 2012

The ASPB Education Foundation seeks proposals from ASPB members to support education and outreach activities that advance knowledge and appreciation of plant biology. The Foundation was established in 1995 with the main goal of enhancing public awareness and understanding of the role of plants in all areas of life. To this end, the Foundation supports education and outreach projects (i.e., NOT science research projects) that enrich and promote youth, student, and general public understanding of the:

• Importance of plants to for the sustainable production of medicine, food, fibers, and fuels;
• Critical role plants play in sustaining functional ecosystems in changing environments;
• Latest developments in plant biotechnologies, including genetic modifications that enhance the disease and stress resistance of crops;
• Contributions of discoveries made in plants to discoveries that improve human health and wellbeing; and
• Range of careers related to plant biology or available to plant biologists.

The types of projects that fit the Foundation’s goals include but are not limited to:

• Development and use of instructional materials in K-12 schools, undergraduate courses, science centers and museums, after-school science clubs, etc.;
• Professional development about plant biology for educators (e.g., teachers, museum educators, 4-H agents, etc.);
• Professional development about education and scientific communication for plant biologists and plant biologists in training,;
• Development and implementation of educational exhibits or displays in science museums, science centers, libraries, and other public venues;
• Development and dissemination of multimedia educational resources such as radio or video pieces, websites, application ('apps') for electronic devices, and animations; and
• Development of and support for education and outreach collaborations between plant biologists and educators.

The Foundation especially seeks projects that will produce resources that can be widely shared and disseminated and programs or relationships that can be sustained over time. Proposals are encouraged from members from both within and outside the United States and projects may serve communities from any country. Proposals that leverage funds from the ASPB Education Foundation with support from other sources are encouraged, particularly for proposals that request a full $30,000 budget.

Sources that may be helpful in preparing successful proposals include:

• Project Summaries from previously funded projects are available at the Education Foundation section of the ASPB website.
• Project managers from winning Education Foundation Grants can advise future applicants who seek their consultationon developing winning proposals.

APPLY for a GRANT - 2012 APPLICATIONS OPEN March 1st
Please note: The application format changed as of 2011; previous formats will not be accepted.

Proposals must be submitted to the Education Foundation by June 8, 2012. No forms are needed. Send proposals by e-mail to the Education Coordinator. Include full name in the body of the submitted e-mail. Attach documents as PDF files or in a Word (.doc extension). Proposal reviews will begin after the closing date. Questions?

Each 8 page grant proposal should include:

1. Cover Page:
   • project title
   • project manager’s name
   • address, phone, e-mail, & fax
   • co-investigator name(s) and institutional affiliation(s) (if any)
     
     
2. Project Description: The project description is limited to five pages, including references, figures, and images. Text should be single spaced, 12 point font, with at least one inch margins.
   
   The project description should be divided into six sections:
   • Goals and objectives: For example, what is this education / outreach project trying to achieve? Why is the project important? What previous work education / outreach work has been done by the investigator(s) or others that lays the groundwork for the project? In what ways do the project goals and objectives align with the goals of the ASPB Education Foundation?
   • Methods and approaches: For example, how will the project be implemented? Who will be involved? What is/are the target audience(s)? What activities will take place? What is the anticipated timeline for the project? How are the proposed activities aligned with the project’s goals and objectives?
   • Anticipated outcomes: For example, what is expected to happen as a result of the project? How many participants will be involved? What should they know, appreciate, or be able to do as a result of participating in the project?
   • Evaluation plan: For example, what evidence will be collected that will be useful for determining whether goals or objectives are achieved? How will project outcomes be documented (e.g., number of target audience reached, knowledge or skill gains, changes in interests, attitudes, or intentions, etc.)? Who will be responsible for executing the evaluation plan?
   • Dissemination plan: For example, how will project products and outcomes (instructional materials, professional development materials, exhibits, evaluation results, etc.) be shared with others who may be interested in using them (e.g., conference posters or presentations, peer-reviewed publications, newsletter articles, etc.)?
   • References: Include citations for any books, journal articles, websites, or other resources cited in the project description.
     
     
3. Statement of education / outreach experience and expertise – Limited to one page.
   • The investigator(s) should describe previous education and outreach experiences and expertise of those involved in the project.
   • Statements should include, if appropriate, brief descriptions of previous education and outreach projects, including project outcomes and impacts.
   • If appropriate, relevant references which provide evidence for the qualifications of the investigator(s) should be included (e.g., URLs for the investigators’ education / outreach websites, publications, etc.). (Background on the proposal itself should be contained within the project description.)
     
     
4. Itemized Budget – Limited to one page.
   • Budget limit is $30,000, including salary, benefits, materials, equipment, travel, and other costs.
   • Each cost should be justified.

Other guidelines:

1. The project manager must be a current member of ASPB.
2. No indirect costs (overhead) will be covered by the Foundation for project awards.
3. No funds may be requested for endowments or granting programs.
4. Although projects may be implemented with a small audience for initial development and pilot testing, the Foundation expects that project products and results will impact a broader audience and generally reach beyond a single institution.
5. ASPB expects to have the right to the use of projects, materials, and results developed with grant funding.
6. Funding is awarded for a period of one year. The Foundation will consider requests for extension of time if received before the award expiration date.
7. All recipients agree to advise future applicants who seek their consultation on developing winning proposals.

Awardees will be notified by email.