| Frequently Asked Questions
How
many grants are awarded this year?
Fifty
(50) one-year grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for the
2010 competition. A minimum of 20 "mini-grants" of up
to $2,500 each will be awarded as well.
How
do I apply?
The new online applications are available by mid-August each year.
Who
may apply?
Toyota
TAPESTRY is open to K-12 teachers of science. The program is open
to all middle and high school science teachers who teach at least
two science classes per day. The program is open to elementary
teachers who teach some science in the classroom or as teaching
specialists. All applicants must have at least two years of
science teaching experience in a K-12 school not including the
current school year. Only the Project Director has to meet the
above criteria. The project staff may consist of educators of
any discipline or administrators.
Are
Canadian residents eligible?
No,
only residents of the 50 United States and U.S. Territories, U.S. possessions, and Puerto Rico may apply.
What
are the proposal requirements?
All
proposals must include the Proposal Cover Form, Proposal
Summary, Project Description (and Scientific Inquiry, for Physical Science and Environmental Science proposals), Rationale and Potential Impact, Evaluation
Plan, Project Calendar, Budget, Project Staff Vitae, and Letters
of Support. Be sure to follow spacing requirements and page
limits to the letter. Mini-grant proposals must include the
Proposal Cover Form, Summary, Description, Budget, and Letter from
Principal.
What
criteria are used to select winners?
Toyota
TAPESTRY grant proposals should demonstrate creativity, involve
risk-taking, possess a visionary quality, and model a novel way
of presenting science. Proposed projects should promote exciting
and innovative activities to motivate students in science.
What
kinds of hints can you give me about writing the proposal?
We have provided an online tip sheet
for your convenience.
What
is the deadline?
The deadline for the 2010 awards has passed.
How
will I know if I've won?
Winners will be notified in March 2010.
All non-winners will be notified by May 31, 2010.
Will
I receive individual feedback if my proposal is not accepted?
Due
to the volume of entries and to protect the integrity of the judging
process, we are unable to provide individual feedback on rejected
proposals at this time.
Are
there sessions where I can learn more about writing a successful
TAPESTRY grant?
Yes.
There are Toyota TAPESTRY "How-To" sessions at all NSTA
area conferences and at the NSTA National Conference.
Why
is Toyota involved with the Toyota TAPESTRY project?
Toyota's
philanthropic focus is pre-collegiate education. They want students
and teachers to have opportunities to learn through doing, not
just through theory.
Why
is Toyota sponsoring a program targeting pre-collegiate science
teachers?
While
there are many funding sources available at the collegiate level,
there are limited opportunities for pre-collegiate teachers to
obtain funds for innovative teaching projects. Toyota TAPESTRY
grants are a unique source of support for teachers who have an
early influence on students.
What
are the goals and objectives of the program?
To
recognize outstanding science teachers and give students hands-on
exposure to science at an early age. We hope that young people
are inspired to pursue careers in the sciences including teaching.
What
is the relationship between Toyota and the National Science Teachers
Association?
Toyota
TAPESTRY is a partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and
NSTA. Toyota funds and NSTA administers the program.
How
are the judges selected?
NSTA
selected 24 top science educators in environmental science, physical
science, and integrating literacy and science to serve as judges.
What
do you see in the future for Toyota TAPESTRY?
We'd
like to see even more teachers implementing innovative ideas.
Toyota TAPESTRY has a multiplier effect by inspiring others to
adopt teaching methods and projects pioneered by Toyota TAPESTRY
Awardees.
How
much does Toyota contribute each year to charities?
In 2008, Toyota U.S.A. invested $66.5 million in programs nationwide that offer people the tools, training, and support they need to Make a Difference, today and tomorrow. Of the $66.5 million, 68% supported education, including a majority of environmental education programs.
What
is the focus of Toyota's giving?
Toyota is built upon two pillars—respect for people and continuous improvement—and believes in Making a Difference by helping diverse groups of people improve the quality of life in their communities. It partners with organizations, schools, and nonprofits to support programs that make our world a better place. Toyota focuses it commitment efforts in three key areas: education, environment, and safety. In areas where Toyota operates major facilities, it also sponsors programs in the arts and culture, and in health and human services.
If
you have additional questions or comments, please contact us: tapestry@nsta.org.
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