Register now for the LLNL Teacher Research Academy

Registration for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) 2024 Teacher Research Academy (TRA) is now open. The TRA offers middle-school, high-school and community-college faculty a unique professional development experience through LLNL. Teachers will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge scientific research conducted at the Laboratory and experience the application of real-world science.

This year, the TRA program is introducing the Teacher Research Academy Conference. The conference will be held June 24-28 at LLNL and includes a two-day plenary session at the start of the week, a mid-week tour day of LLNL facilities, and choice of two-day “hot topics” sessions to close out the week. In addition to the conference, a virtual workshop, “Physics with Phones,” will be held July 22-26. See the complete schedule for the conference sessions in June and the virtual workshop in July below.

TRA Conference Plenary: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Classroom

• This session is dedicated to helping educators become familiar with existing generative AI tools while learning to apply these tools to a range of tasks such as creating content for lessons and designing assessments.
• June 24–25, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Conference Session 1: Climate & Fusion

• This session will focus on the physics of the greenhouse effect, the basics of nuclear physics and details about fusion at the National Ignition Facility.
• June 27–28, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Conference Session 2: Applications in Computing

• This session explores the application of computational modeling to mimic real-world systems through the lens of the software program, NetLogo, as well as using machine learning tools with robotics for the classroom.
• June 27–28, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Conference Session 3: Bioengineering & Bioethics

• This session will explore the novel use of CRISPR, how it connects to fundamental biology and its potential impact on society. Attendees will participate in hands-on lab experimentation connected to Next Generation Science Standards.
• June 27–28, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Virtual Workshop: Physics with Phones

• This workshop focuses on hands-on activities designed to use science and engineering practices to explore core disciplinary ideas in physics using sensors in your smartphone.
• July 22–26, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

During the TRA program, teachers will meet LLNL scientists, tour research facilities and observe science performed in a lab to better understand science in a real-world context.

The sessions and workshops in the TRA program are free. Register online. Registration closes June 3.

The TRA is sponsored by LLNL’s Academic Engagement Office. Visit the LLNL Science Education Program website for more information about TRA and other educational outreach programs.

For further information, see the flyer or contact the %20stem-education [at] llnl.gov (STEM office).