Partners in Science at EWU Program
Imagine spending your summer doing science — immersed in research, working alongside experts, and bringing real-world scientific inquiry back to your classroom!
The Partners in Science program engages middle school and high school science teachers in authentic scientific research experiences. Teachers will be paired with EWU science faculty members to conduct research projects spanning two summers. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science, gain experience conducting scientific research, and join a community of local teachers and researchers who are passionate about engaging K-12 students in scientific inquiry.
The Partners in Science Program is supported by a grant funded by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
Science Research Experiences for Teachers
Teachers in the Partners in Science at EWU Program will be fully immersed in the scientific research process for 8 weeks each summer over two consecutive years. Participants will carry out authentic scientific research projects under the mentorship of an EWU science faculty member. Research activities include collecting data in research labs and/or field sites, analyzing data, interpreting findings, and communicating results to colleagues. The program will include seminars and discussions on the nature of science and scientific inquiry to support teachers in conducting their projects and developing an understanding of scientific research, multidisciplinary research demonstrations to expose participants to research techniques across science disciplines, and brown bag lunches with other teacher participants and research mentors to foster community.
When: Late June-Mid August. Full-time participation is expected. Research mentors will work with teachers to accommodate any logistical challenges or schedule conflicts.
Where: EWU’s Cheney Campus. Some activities can be completed remotely. Projects may include data collection from field sites. We will provide travel funds to help offset commuting costs.
Research Topics: Read more about the research projects available for the Summer 2025-Summer 2026 participants here!
Benefits of participating in the Partners in Science at EWU Program include:
- The opportunity to engage in an authentic science research project
- A $6,500 stipend each summer
- Access to $1,250 in supplies each summer to fund research projects
- Travel, lodging, and meals included to attend two Murdock Partners in Science conferences each year in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
- Access to $4,500 in classroom supplies to engage your students in scientific inquiry after completing the second summer
- A network of science teachers and faculty members
- Experiences that contribute to a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Teachers who meet the following eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Hold a full-time science teaching position at an accredited middle or high school in Washington or Idaho. Three or more years of science teaching experience is preferred but not required.
- Provide contact information from a current principal or assistant principal who can write a letter of support for the applicant’s participation in the program.
- Have a baccalaureate degree in biology, chemistry, physics, geoscience, or a closely related field. Applicants with a degree in a different field who have demonstrated a readiness to complete an independent research experience (e.g., upper division science coursework, extensive teaching experience, etc.) are also encouraged to apply.
- Have demonstrated a commitment to professional learning through participation in professional development programs.
- Have an interest in developing knowledge of scientific inquiry to use in implementing inquiry-based science instruction.
- Be able to participate in the full-time, eight-week summer research experiences both summers. This includes regularly commuting to EWU’s Cheney campus and/or nearby field sites (e.g., EWU’s field research station in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge) for research projects and program activities. Some aspects of research projects may be able to be completed remotely depending on the research project. Research mentors will make accommodations around other schedule conflicts (e.g., vacations, PD workshops).
- Be able to participate in two Murdock Partners in Science conferences each year: one in January in Portland, OR, and one in August in Vancouver, WA. Teachers’ travel expenses will be paid for by this program.
Please direct any questions on eligibility to Bo Idsardi (ridsardi@ewu.edu).
Application Process
Submit your application here.
Application review will begin immediately and continue until selections are finalized.
The project leaders will review applications and interview finalists in late April. The interviews will allow prospective teachers to describe their interest in the program, how their prior experiences have prepared them for a research experience, what areas of scientific research they are most comfortable and what areas they will need the most support in, and how they will manage the expectations of participation in this program (e.g., time commitment). The research mentors will have an opportunity to describe their projects to applicants in more detail, and participants will be able to ask questions about the program and research project. We anticipate notifying selected applicants in early May.
