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CORAL STEM Program

Calling all U.S.-based secondary science teachers! Become immersed in a Research Experience for Teachers at the University of Miami and explore how microfossils reveal past ocean and climate conditions. Applications are now open to take part in the program from May 10-15, 2026.

Program Details

Creating Opportunities for Research-Aligned Learning in STEM (CORAL STEM) invites secondary science teachers to a week-long, immersive research experience May 10–15, 2026, hosted at the University of Miami in Florida. Teachers will work alongside researchers to analyze beach sand samples and investigate foraminifera (microscopic organisms that record long-term reef health and environmental change) using the same approaches scientists employ in active research. A curriculum will be shared, which teachers are expected to adapt to their own settings in the fall of 2026.

Program Outline:

  1. March 1: Application review begins and selected participants will be notified ASAP.
  2. April 8 at 7 PM ET: Participants will attend a 1-hour webinar to prepare for the in-person program the following month.
  3. May 10-15: Participants will travel to Miami, FL, to collect samples on a beach, take a ~3-hour boat tour, spend considerable amount of time looking through a microscope to process the visual and numeric data, and familiarize themselves with the existing curricula.
  4. Fall 2026: Participants will implement the CORAL STEM curriculum at their school (~2-5 days of instruction).

Participants will receive:

  • Hotel accommodations at The Mutiny Luxury Hotel.
  • Travel expenses with be reimbursed.
  • Meal reimbursements, per GSA rates, during the in-person program.
  • Early access to the “Little Creatures With a Big Message” curriculum.

Applications are now open!

Apply now to participate in CORAL STEM. Review of applications will begin on March 1 and will continue until the program is filled.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Secondary science teacher based in the United States.
  • Ability to commit to implementing a 2-5 day lesson sequence based on the “Little Creatures with a Big Message” curriculum in the fall of 2026.
  • Familiarity with oceans and marine systems, climate and environmental change, Earth systems, human impacts and sustainability.
  • Confirmed availability for participation on April 8 for virtual webinar and May 10-15 for the in-person program.

Program Partners and Funders

University of Miami, National Science Foundation