The Teacher Research Academy (TRA) offers middle school, high school, and community college faculty a unique professional development experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). TRA workshop participants engage in Next Generation Science Standards- (NGSS-) aligned instruction in LLNL mission-related scientific disciplines through the application of real-world science in an environment teachers seldom get to explore.
There is a $25 registration fee. All participants must be U.S. citizens.
The Teacher Research Academy (TRA):
This engaging, hands-on workshop is designed to equip today’s educators (elementary through post-high school) with the skills they need to implement 3D printing and CAD (computer-aided design) into their classrooms. Participants will be exposed to state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. These workshops place an emphasis on teaching participants real-world, classroom-applicable skills through hands-on exercises, group projects, and talks/tours of current LLNL 3D printing research.
Workshop 1: This 3-day workshop provides a crash course in 3D printing and basic CAD techniques. Participants can expect to leave with a solid understanding of what 3D printing and CAD are, and why these modern STEM tools belong in the classroom. No prior experience required!
Workshop 2: This 5-day workshop covers all aspects of applying 3D printing technology in the classroom. Participants will become intimately familiar with the set-up, operation, and troubleshooting of 3D printers. Grant-writing, curriculum suggestions, 2D laser cutters, advanced CAD techniques and the engineering design process will also be covered. Participants can expect to leave fully equipped to implement a 3D printing program. Successful completion of level 1 is required for this workshop.
Workshop 1: July 10–July 12, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Workshop 2: July 15–July 19, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
These professional development workshops center on enriching NGSS standards with hands-on wet lab experience in biology and biotechnology. This is a middle/high school professional development workshop that focuses on learning science by doing science. These workshops provide the opportunity to expand lab skills, discuss how authentic rigorous lab experiences can be integrated into NGSS, AP, and IB curricula, and addresses how to modify labs based on resource limitations. Learn how to source free science materials and local mini grants as well.
Workshop 1: Review/refresher of fundamental lab skills required to make labwork prep easy. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge through hands-on laboratory activities in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics. These activities connect science practices with NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas in Ecology, Heredity, and Evolution and provide ample opportunities to explore Crosscutting Concepts.
Workshop 2: Participants will dive deeper into hands-on laboratory activities in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics. Includes a guest scientist speaker discussing topics connected to labs. These activities connect science practices with NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas in Ecology, Heredity, and Evolution and provide ample opportunities to explore Crosscutting Concepts.
Workshop 1: June 12–June 14, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Workshop 2: June 17–June 21, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
These workshops provide hands-on modeling for science and math instruction. Participants will learn to use a variety of programs including Netlogo, a free open-source simulation software, to create computer models that will enhance their curriculum.
Workshop 1: This workshop is designed to introduce the concepts behind computer modeling and simulation, and real-world applications. Participants will interact with LLNL scientists and learn about how simulation is used in their work. NetLogo and other software will be introduced as modeling tools. This is a 3-day workshop.
Workshop 2: This workshop is designed for both teachers who want an introduction to computer modeling and for those who want to expand their knowledge of programming with NetLogo. The flexible curriculum will allow returning participants to develop computer applications that will enhance their STEM curriculum by presenting model(s) and associated lesson plans to the group while also providing first time participants the opportunity to learn about modeling and simulation. This is a 5-day workshop.
Workshop 1: June 12–June 14, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Workshop 2: June 17–June 21, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
The Fusion/Astrophysics TRA is a unique professional development experience that will deliver content in highly engaging areas of physics and astronomy. These workshops provide hands-on experience with many classroom-tested labs and activities. Tools are provided to meet Physical Sciences and Earth/Space Sciences NGSS Standards. Visit cutting-edge research labs at LLNL and talk to scientists and engineers on the job! You will hear directly from Livermore scientists about their latest research. These workshops prepare you to do a research internship at LLNL.
Workshop 1: This workshop focuses on how spectroscopy and the properties of light are used in fusion and solar science. Participants tour the National Ignition Facility and learn about the latest developments in fusion energy by Livermore scientists. This is a 3-day workshop.
Workshop 2: This workshop is a crash course in stellar astrophysics, special relativity, and gravitation, interspersed with classroom-tested hands-on labs and activities. Each day includes either a lab tour or a talk by a Livermore scientist. Sometimes both! Tours include the Gamma-ray Spectrometer Lab, Center for Advanced Mass Spectroscopy, Electron Beam Ion Trap, and Jupiter Laser Facility. This is a 5-day workshop.
Workshop 1: June 19–June 21, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Workshop 2: June 24–June 28, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Always vital for success in science, engineering, and medicine, technical communication has now come into K–12 science classrooms: every NGSS performance expectation explicitly cross-references science-relevant literacy goals from the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA). Workshop participants will learn how to implement this close integration of CCSS with NGSS in their own classrooms through authentic activities, cases, and examples that directly embody the three NGSS science/engineering communication practices (explain, argue from evidence, and share information).
This workshop takes you beyond artificial writing assignments and explains how to adapt the nonfiction literacy activities of real-world scientists and engineers so that your students practice evidence-based text-design techniques that are already applied and prized whenever professionals communicate about technology (including software). In addition, workshop segments demonstrate how specific pedagogical moves that support fluency for English as a Second Language/English Language Learner (ESL/ELL) students can also help all students share technical information more effectively and confidently.
NGSS/CCSS Literacy Products include the ability to draft lab instructions that are safe as well as reliable; revise technical descriptions to make written and oral reports more helpful and meaningful for their audience(s); promote taking lab, field, and reading notes based on authentic examples and techniques that amplify each student's ability to learn; design effective, concise abstracts for projects (science fair and otherwise); and craft content-rich, visually revealing science posters.
Session: June 10–June 11, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
LLNL offers paid, 8-week mentored research opportunities for in-service teachers during the summer. Teachers must first complete a workshop series in 3D Print & Design, Bioscience, Fusion & Astrophysics, or Computational Modeling to qualify for an internship in a successive summer. Teachers are placed in research laboratories aligned with their teaching interests. Internships are competitive. A $5,000 stipend is awarded upon completion.
To apply for an internship, submit the application through the link below and send current resume to stem-education@llnl.gov. Application materials are due by April 15, 2019. Receipt of applications will be confirmed by email with acceptances by May 15, 2019.
Session: June 10–August 2, 2019 | Time: 8:30am–3:30pm