Whitaker Institute

 Join us for coffee and conversations Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.

In 2013 Dr. Joe Simmons, the first Backe Chair for Renewable Energy at FGCU, had a vision to develop area high school student interest in engineering and renewable energy technologies through a solar go-kart competition held on campus. Since that first year the FGCU Faculty, Students, and Staff have worked hard to host and promote this event, and we hope to continue to work with each of you to continue to improve SunChase every year!

Want to volunteer?

Various shifts are available: 

1^st shift: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

2^nd shift: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

3^rd shift: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Use the link to sign up for the shift that works for you: https://signup.com/go/GLZvRuT

Learn more about SunChase!

Learn more about GEMS!

At the Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers Workshop for K-12 educators, participants will be immersed in the research-based practice of writing and facilitating engaging inquiry-based STEM activities focusing on the SW Florida environment.  Inquiry-based pedagogies have been shown to improve student engagement, comprehension, and retention. The workshop infuses technology into the week and incorporates field instruction. FGCU faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and Conservancy Staff bring a balance of expertise to you during the workshop week.   The Whitaker Institute for STEM Education at FGCU takes a systemic approach to enhancing and reforming STEM education by providing professional development opportunities for K-12 educators, conducting research in STEM teaching and learning, developing innovative curricula, resources, and materials, developing and supporting programs for students, and building strong community partnerships. The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers workshops are developed through collaboration between the Conservancy of Southwest Florida education staff, Whitaker Institute FGCU faculty associates, Vester Marine Field Station, and Lehigh Elementary STEM faculty. The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers connects real-world environmental research with evidence-based, hands-on instruction. Since 2013, the STEM Institute has worked with over 200 K-12 teachers from the five county area and beyond! Summer camps are also offered at the Conservancy. Your child/children could experience the wildlife of southwest Florida through outdoor adventures, field trips, and nature discoveries, all while you attend our workshop.

Learn more about STEM Institute

At the Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers Workshop for K-12 educators, participants will be immersed in the research-based practice of writing and facilitating engaging inquiry-based STEM activities focusing on the SW Florida environment.  Inquiry-based pedagogies have been shown to improve student engagement, comprehension, and retention. The workshop infuses technology into the week and incorporates field instruction. FGCU faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and Conservancy Staff bring a balance of expertise to you during the workshop week.   The Whitaker Institute for STEM Education at FGCU takes a systemic approach to enhancing and reforming STEM education by providing professional development opportunities for K-12 educators, conducting research in STEM teaching and learning, developing innovative curricula, resources, and materials, developing and supporting programs for students, and building strong community partnerships. The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers workshops are developed through collaboration between the Conservancy of Southwest Florida education staff, Whitaker Institute FGCU faculty associates, Vester Marine Field Station, and Lehigh Elementary STEM faculty. The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers connects real-world environmental research with evidence-based, hands-on instruction. Since 2013, the STEM Institute has worked with over 200 K-12 teachers from the five county area and beyond! Summer camps are also offered at the Conservancy. Your child/children could experience the wildlife of southwest Florida through outdoor adventures, field trips, and nature discoveries, all while you attend our workshop.

Learn more about STEM Institute

For over a decade, the Whitaker Institute for STEM Education has sponsored a two week event for middle school students interested in STEM. They must prepare an application to be chosen to participate in a Summer Research Opportunity at Florida Gulf Coast University. SRO offers a hands-on experience of collaboration on a complete and genuine research problem from hypothesis generation and initial design, through field and laboratory data collection, culminating in data analysis and interpretation. The SRO program is staffed by FGCU faculty and Student Assistants and takes place each summer.  Your school is neither endorsing nor sponsoring this event nor endorsing the views of FGCU.

Learn more about SRO