Register now for the Teacher Research Academy

Are you a teacher in need of professional development? Are you longing to learn how to bring the latest in science and technology into your classroom? If so, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) 2019 Teacher Research Academy (TRA) is the answer.

The TRA offers middle and high school science teachers and community college faculty a professional development curriculum during the summer at the Edward Teller Education Center (ETEC) at LLNL. Teachers learn about cutting-edge scientific research conducted at the Laboratory and experience the application of real-world science in an environment they seldom experience.

The academy model allows teachers to progress through varying levels of instruction, with each level building on the knowledge and experience of the preceding level. Participants engage in a continuum of standards-based instruction in line with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), enabling them to progress from novice to mastery in scientific disciplines such as 3D printing and design, bioscience, fusion/astrophysics, computational modeling and technical writing.

Participating teachers will experience the nature of science through direct involvement and use of science equipment, processes and practices found in research labs. They will meet LLNL scientists, visit research laboratories, observe science performed in a lab and will learn technical writing skills to better communicate scientific information.

The TRAs will be held in June and July. Registration is now open. Course times are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. See the complete schedule of academies and workshops below:

Technical Writing

• June 10-11
  Prepares teachers to build students’ technical writing skills toward CCSS goals to improve lab instruction, technical literacy, lab notebooks, abstracts and science posters.

Bioscience

• Workshop 1: June 12-14
• Workshop 2: June 17-21
  Emphasizes overview of the field with instruction on basic skills to include DNA and protein analysis through inquiry and experimentation.

Modeling for Science and Math

• Workshop 1: June 12-14
• Workshop 2: June 17-21
  Introduces concepts of computer modeling and simulation using programming with NetLogo to apply towards STEM curriculum using real-world applications.

Fusion and Astrophysics

• Workshop 1: June 19-21
• Workshop 2: June 24-28
  Focuses on properties of electromagnetic radiation, spectroscopy, gravitation and nuclear physics using tools employed in research laboratories through hands-on activities.

3D Print and Design

• Workshop 1: July 10-12
• Workshop 2: July 15-19
  Incorporates modeling, design and three-dimensional printing for introduction to curriculum, print everyday objects from computational models using Tinkercad.

Teacher Research Internships  

• June 10-Aug. 2
  Mentored research opportunities within LLNL research laboratories. Interns receive a $5,000 stipend at completion of the eight-week internship. Applications are competitive.

U.S. citizenship is required to participate in the TRA. Register online. There is a $25 registration fee per workshop.

The TRAs are sponsored by LLNL's University Relations and Science Education Program. Visit the LLNL Science Education Program website for more information about the TRAs and other educational outreach programs.

For further information, contact Joanna Albala, LLNL Education Program manager, (925) 422-6803, or albala1 [at] llnl.gov (e-mail).