FAQs

I wasn’t accepted into the program last year, how can I improve my application?

Answer: Please e-mail the coordinating committee (see "Contact us" page) and we are happy to work with you (and your team, when applicable) on your mini-course proposal. Need help designing your course? Check out our Cheatsheet!

What if my lesson plan includes special equipment such as computers, microscopes, lab space, etc.?

Answer: In your application, communicate your needs for any special equipment. Provide suitable alternatives. 

Do Fellows teach alone or as a team?

Answer: You can choose to teach alone or with 1-3 co-instructors. Teaching as a team is recommend if you want to teach younger students (i.e. elementary school ages 5-8). If you plan on doing hands-on activities, it sometimes helps to have multiple instructors so someone can talk at the front of the classroom, while the other hands out materials 

When do I get my T-shirt?   

Answer: Email us grasshopr@cornell.edu.

Will there be transportation from the Cornell campus to the various classroom locations?

Answer: Most Fellows who own a car choose to drive themselves, which you can be reimbursed for if driving outside of Ithaca. Most local schools should be accessible by TCAT bus or Ithaca Car Share.

What should I bring to the classroom?

Answer: Communicate with your teacher host to determine what resources they already have in the classroom (whiteboards, projectors, printers, lab space, etc.). Bring all the materials you will need for any hands-on activities (helpful tip: bring some candy to give out as participation prizes). Some fellows have found it helpful to create worksheets for the students and to use PowerPoint slides.

What if I can no longer teach my mini-course after being accepted and matched with a teacher?

Answer: Contact us right away.

How are the teacher hosts assigned?

Answer: The Coordinating Committee compiles all successful applications in a program that is then circulated to the local K-12 teachers. Teachers can choose courses they are interesting in hosting. It is the job of the Coordinating Committee to finalize the match.

When will I know who my teacher host is and what class I will be teaching?

Answer: Final matches will be announced in early November.

What is the role of the teacher as I develop and teach my mini-course?

Answer: The teacher can give you valuable feedback and critiques on your lesson plan. They know their students and know what the students have been taught during the year so far. Make sure you lesson fits the target audience and is explained at a level that they can understand. When teaching your mini-course, the teacher should always be present in the classroom and help ensure the students remain respectful and engaged. 

What if I never hear from my teacher host?

Answer: Send at least 1-2 reminder emails to your teacher, as they can be very busy.  Keep in mind that some of them only check their emails during working hours. If you still don’t hear back, then please contact the Coordinating Committee ASAP.

I do research in the Geneva area, are there teachers I can be matched with close by?

Answer: Yes! Let us know who would prefer to be matched in the Geneva area than Tompkins County.

How are the Fellows assigned?

Answer: Assignments will be based on which fellows and mini-courses you are interested in hosting, and their availability. It is the job of the Coordinating Committee to finalize the match.

When will I know who my GRASSHOPR fellow is and when they will be teaching?

Answer: Matches will be announced in early-November. Please coordinate with your fellow to determine when they can come in to teach your classroom (3 to 5 separate days depending on the number of mini-courses proposed).

How can I be a good teacher host?

Answer: Communicate with your fellow to find out what their needs are and if you can help in any ways. Also, find out how much experience they have with working with students at your grade level. Some fellows have zero to very little experience and may need more of your guidance and support. Is there a specific place for them to park their car? Do they need to go to the front office first? Will they need a visitor pass?

How can I help my GRASSHOPR fellow develop his/her mini-course?

Answer: Present examples of your own lesson plan and communicate if there are specific topics you would like your fellow to cover or incorporate into their mini-course. Would you students be able to sit through and understand the mini-course that the fellow has proposed? Let fellows know how you keep your students engaged and what topics may be difficult for your students.

What if I never hear from my GRASSHOPR Fellow?

Answer:  Send at least 1-2 reminder emails to your fellow, as they can be very busy.  Keep in mind that some of them may be out of town or at a conference. If you still don’t hear back, then please contact the Coordinating Committee ASAP.

What if I can no longer be a teacher host after being matched with a fellow?

Answer: Contact us right away. 

I have a comment and/or complaint about my fellow. Who can I contact about this?

Answer: For non-urgent complaints, contact us by email. If it is urgent, call Bethany Resnick at the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement  at 607-255-0255