The teachers will use what they learn to excite and motivate their students in pursuing careers in science.
The workshops are part of the Teacher Research Academy developed by the Edward Teller Education Center, a collaboration between LLNL and UC Davis. The academy takes a unique four-step approach to introduce teachers to cutting-edge science. Each step, or level, builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the previous step. The fourth and final level is a capstone six-week internship in a research laboratory at LLNL.
This summer 15 teachers are participating in these mentored research internships and are being hosted by scientists at Department of Energy (DOE) labs including Sandia National Laboratories, LLNL and the Joint Genome Institute. The model allows teachers to advance from novice to mastery, making the program suitable for beginning and experienced teachers.
"The intention of the program is to provide teachers with access to the scientific community and for teachers to learn how to bring the real world of scientific research into the classroom," said Carey Kopay, executive director of the Edward Teller Education Center. "The program also offers flexibility and can be tailored to the needs of individual teachers. Teachers can select a scientific theme that interests them, and then select the level(s) at which they'll participate."
The program currently offers workshops in biotechnology, biophotonics, fusion and astrophysics, and energy and environmental technologies. The workshops consist of hands-on activities and experience using advanced scientific equipment, rather than a textbook emphasis.
"Our program provides teachers with the tools they need to excite students and generate an interest in science," Kopay said. "The workshops also have an effect of re-energizing and re-connecting teachers to the world of science and discovery."
Workshops will be held June 18-July 18 at four locations: the Center of Biophotonics Science and Technology (CBST) in Sacramento; Cal State, Stanislaus; UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento; and LLNL. Workshop themes, dates and locations are as follows:
Biotechnology/Level-1
June 18-20
CSU Stanislaus
Biotechnology/Level-1
June 24-26
LLNL
Biotechnology/Level-2
June 23-27 UC Davis (Bioinformatics Research Academy)
Biotechnology/Level-2
July 7-11
LLNL
Biotechnology/Level-3
July 14-18 LLNL
Biotechnology/Level-4
June 23
LLNL
Biophotonics Level-1
June 23-25
Sacramento, CBST
Biophotonics Level-2
July 7-11
Sacramento, CBST
Fusion/Astrophysics Level-1
June 24-26
LLNL
Fusion/Astrophysics Level-2
July 7-11
LLNL
Fusion/Astrophysics Level-3 July 14-18
LLNL
Fusion/Astrophysics Level-4
June 23 LLNL
Energy Technologies Level-1 June 24-26 LLNL
Energy Technologies Level-2 July 7-11
LLNL
Energy Technologies Level-3
July 14-18
LLNL
All workshops require registration and are open to teachers only. A $15 registration fee applies. More information is available at http://etec.ucdavis.edu. Participants who register for the Teacher Research Academies can now earn graduate course credit through Cal State East Bay that will count toward the master's of science in education, option in curriculum. Learn more about this program at http://etec.ucdavis.edu/masters.
Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has a mission to ensure national security and to apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
For more information:
LLNL's Public Affairs Office https://publicaffairs.llnl.gov
Teacher Research Academy http://etec.ucdavis.edu/academies
Edward Teller Education Center http://etec.ucdavis.edu/about