03-32187. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Carry Out a New Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 1 year.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by March 1, 2004 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send email to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Evaluation of NSF Support for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO).

OMB Number: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new information collection for one year.

Abstract: Proposed Project: The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) initiated the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Supplements activity in FY 2001 to be add-ons to active awards funded by ENG programs. The intent was to build on the popular NSF-wide Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements activity by providing opportunities for K-12 teachers to conduct hands-on experiences in the laboratories/facilities of ENG-funded researchers interested in participating in RET. Typically the supplements supported one or two teachers. The assumption was that the teachers could also benefit from involvement in research and direct exposure to the scientific method and transfer what they learned into classroom activities. Since then, ENG has funded RET Site awards, which are similar to REU Sites in that NSF awards fund groups of teachers to work with faculty members at the same institution and to engage in group activities related to the research. In 2003, community college faculty became eligible as participants in RET awards.

This study of RET will include participants in RET Supplement and Site awards from 2001-2003 funded by the Division of Engineering Education and Centers, the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems, and the Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation. The study will examine whether the scale and programmatic characteristics of the larger group awards, such as those funded as RET Sites, bring about different outcomes and impacts on the teachers and their subsequent instructional and professional activities, compared with those resulting from involvement in the typical small-scale RET Supplement. NSF wishes to know how RET experiences have affected participating teachers' subsequent teaching techniques and content modifications made as a result of teachers' RET activities. In addition, outcomes and impacts beyond the teachers' own classrooms from the research experiences, e.g., follow-up knowledge transfer activities, any formal partnerships formed between the awardee and the teachers' school system/district, or community college, etc. should also be examined. The collection will be done on the World Wide Web.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 minutes per response.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses per Form: 645.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 430 hours—645 respondents at 40 minutes per response.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Comments

Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Dated: December 24, 2003.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.