What are Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers?

Toyota TAPESTRY recognizes outstanding educators who are making a difference by demonstrating excellence and creativity in science teaching. Since 1991 the program has awarded more than $8.6 million to 1,068 teams of teachers for innovative science classroom projects. Thanks to these teachers’ tireless efforts to improve their skills and increase their effectiveness, students nationwide are gaining a better understanding of science principles and methodologies. Toyota and NSTA sincerely hope these grants continue to inspire teachers and serve as a catalyst for lifetime science learning.

A partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. , Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association, the Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program offers grants to K–12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in the school and/or school district. 50 large grants and a minimum of 20 mini-grants, totaling $550,000 in all, will be awarded this year. To apply for funding, qualified teachers must write a Toyota TAPESTRY proposal according to the proposal requirements. The deadline for the completion of the online application is 11:59 P.M. EST Monday, January 18, 2010. Recipients of Toyota TAPESTRY grants will be notified by March 4, 2010. Non-recipients will be notified by May 31, 2010.

Announcement

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association are pleased to announce the 20th Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program. This year, 50 large grants of up to $10,000 each and 20-32 mini-grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to K-12 teachers of science in the United States. The categories are Physical Science Application, Environmental Science Education, and Integrating Literacy and Science.

Who May Submit the Online Proposal?

The project director should begin the online proposal. This is the person who will be in charge of the project and implement it during the 2010-11 school year. The project director must be a middle or high school science teacher who teaches a minimum of two science classes per day or an elementary teacher who teaches some science in the classroom. All applicants must have a minimum of at least two years science teaching experience in a K-12 school not including the current school year. Staff people (up to four allowed) may also work on the proposal. Applicants may submit only one proposal per year as Project Director. Please be aware that Toyota TAPESTRY awards are conditional upon the awardee (project director) being employed at the same school for the duration of the proposed project.

How do I Apply?

The online application is available HERE. The project director is asked to begin the application process by creating a login and password. You are not required to complete the application process in one session; the proposal is saved as you submit each section. There are examples of components as you begin each section. For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact tapestry@nsta.org.