ND Energy just wrapped up its seventh consecutive Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program, engaging seven teachers from area high schools for seven weeks of energy-related research. In addition to being part of a laboratory research team and delving into scientific topics, teachers participated in the Curriculum Development Institute, provided by Notre Dame’s Center for STEM Education. They also interacted with representatives of the business community to learn more about skills and job opportunities important to the future of their students.

A challenging aspect of the program was the development of new curriculum for their classrooms based on the research topic. Regular curriculum development meetings allowed teachers to share ideas, methodologies, and new interactive educational technologies. At the end of the program, each participant presented a summary of the research and new lesson ideas.

“The time spent in the lab has helped me as an educator because it allowed me to be a student again,” said one teacher. Another stated that “RET has been the most valuable training I have received since I graduated for improving my science knowledge.”

To read more about the Energy RET 2016 participants and their research, click here.

The University of Notre Dame offers a variety of RET programs each summer. For more information, visit the RET website.

ND Energy is a University Research Center whose mission is to build a better world by creating new energy technologies and systems and educating individuals to help solve the most critical energy challenges facing our world today. For more information, visit the ND Energy website at energy.nd.edu or contact Barbara Villarosa, Business and Communications Program Director, at bvillaro@nd.edu or 574-631-4776.