Q:
How do I apply to the program? What does the
program consist of?
A:
For all information concerning the eligibility, admissions
and program content please return to the the
prospective
teacher homepage and go to the Admission link of the program you are
interested in.
Q:
I'm familiar with the equipment and labs. May I
skip Phase I of the TOPS program (the summer/fall workshop) and still order
van visits and kits?
A:
No. All teachers, in spite of previous experience,
are required to complete Phase I training before receiving the lending kits.
Q:
I'm not interested in using all of the TOPS labs in my
classroom. May I skip the seminar lectures on the labs I don't intend
to use?
A:
No. Teachers must attend all of the lectures within
their respective TOPS program (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) to
complete Phase I.
Q: I've completed the TOPS Biology
seminar and van visits. Can I borrow TOPS chemistry or physics lending
kits?
A: No. You may only
borrow lending kits from the TOPS program that you have completed.
Biology teachers may only request biology lending kits. However, if
you take both the chemistry and biology seminars you may request kits from
either program.
Q:
I'm only using the kits in three classes. May another
teacher from the department use the supplies for the remaining two classes?
A:
The other teacher only has our permission to use the
supplies and equipment if the other teacher has completed the TOPS program
and signed a contract for the current year. Because of issues with
liability TOPS cannot allow teachers who have not completed the program and
signed a contract to conduct TOPS labs.
Q:
I'm a middle school teacher. Can I participate in the
TOPS program?
A:
Middle schools often are not properly equipped to run TOPS
labs (e.g. they lack labs w/ running water, lab benches, safety showers, eye
washes, etc.). If you are a middle school teacher interested in
running TOPS labs we will accommodate you as best as possible, but it is
necessary to evaluate these situations on a case by case basis. Please
contact us for more information.
Q:
My question isn't listed!
A:
Please submit your question, name, and e-mail below and we
will promptly contact you with an answer.
