Welcome to Maine Physical Sciences Partnership

A partnership bringing together nearly 50 rural Maine schools, the University of Maine, three Maine non-profits with expertise in science education, and science and technology leaders at the Maine Department of Education to target the teaching and learning of physical sciences in grades 6-9 and the preparation of science teachers at the University of Maine.

• Collaborative selection, refinement, and implementation of a coherent, research-supported curricula
• Ongoing intensive professional development requisite for strong implementation
• Preparation of future teachers from the University and other Maine colleges and universities through professional activities as part of the curriculum selection process, professional development, and implementation, and as teaching partners in the classroom
• Refinement of university-level instruction through reform and implementation of a Learning Assistant program

2012-2013 Maine PSP Cohort Applications
We are no longer accepting applications for 2012-2013

Mailing List
Please click here if you would like to be added to (or removed from) the PSP mailing list. You can choose our paper and/or email options. The mailings consist of postcards, occasional newsletters, and announcements.

Positions and Hiring
At this time, we are in the process of interviewing and hiring for several Postdoctoral positions; all other positions have been filled.

More information for these positions can be found here.

Grade Nine Task Force Update: Executive Summary and Full Report Now Available

This report by the Grade 9 Task Force describes the task force’s process, findings about how well EarthComm and Foundation Science address key ideas within content knowledge and scientific practices, and findings about the support they provide in the areas of mathematics, literacy, and technology. The report was unveiled during a presentation MainePSP teachers and administrators on Thursday, May 10.  After the presentation, district groups discussed the evidence provided by the task force, explored the pros and cons of EarthComm and Foundation Science, and came to consensus about which resources could serve the district’s students well.  Next, the report and input from districts will be presented at the MainePSP Leadership Team Meeting on May 15th, and the Leadership Team will make a decision about whether EarthComm or Foundation Science will be piloted in the fall of 2012. Please contact Joanna Meyer for more information about this report.

Executive Summary
Full Report

• May 17 – Ellsworth collaborative at HCTC (directions)
• May 24 – RSU20 collaborative at Searsport District H.S.
• May 31 – Bangor collaborative at UTC (directions)

Maine PSP Collaboratives will resume in September.

Conferences (by invitation):

• The 2nd Annual Maine Physical Sciences Partnership Summit
  May 18-19, 2012
  Point Lookout Resort & Conference Center, Lincolnville, Maine
• The 2nd Annual Maine Physical Sciences Partnership Summer Academy
  Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29, 2012
  The Schoodic Education and Research Center, Winter   Harbor, Maine”

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  Michael Wittmann, Associate Professor of Physics, leading a session of the Orono Physical Sciences Collaborative

  UMaine Partnering with Public Schools on $12.3 Million Grant to Redesign Science Curriculum, UMaine Press Release, 9/2/2010

• Maine schools get physical science grant, Bangor Daily News, 9/2/10