Professional Development for Science Teachers

Teachers as Scholars

On November 14, 2019, fourteen science teachers from area schools visited the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) in partnership with the Princeton University Program in Teacher Preparation. They came to learn about materials science and how to apply it to the classroom. Educators were provided with the books “Stuff Matters” by Mark Miodownik and “The Substance of Civilization” by Stephen Sass, which will help them teach their students about the fundamentals of materials science. Additionally, teachers had the opportunity to listen and have detailed discussions during talks given by PCCM faculty and staff members, as well as graduate students.

The program’s speakers included Dr. Daniel Steinberg, Director of Education Outreach at PCCM, as well as Dr. Rodney Priestley, Associate Director of PCCM. Dr. Steinberg discussed the National Science Foundation, Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs), and interdisciplinary research in materials science. Dr. Priestley spoke about polymers and their everyday importance, as well as innovation at Princeton University. Likewise, graduate students Shafayat Hossein and Nicholas Garcia discussed their work, which includes quantum materials reserach for developing quantum computing and chemistry research, respectively.

Finally, teachers had the chance to view state of the art imaging equipment and take a tour of the University’s Imaging and Analysis Center (IAC), which was led by Dr. Nan Yao, and included in-depth discussions at each instrument with the teachers. This was followed by a tour of a Micro/Nano Fabrication Lab (MNFL) clean room, given by Joseph Palmer.

Science teachers discuss their experiences in the classroom.
Science teachers discuss their experiences in the classroom.

Dr. Priestley talks about materials science and 3D printing.
Dr. Priestley talks about materials science and 3D printing.

Dr. Yao gives a tour of the IAC.
Dr. Yao gives a tour of the IAC.

Dr. Dan Steinberg
Dr. Dan Steinberg discusses the Teachers As Scholars program.

For Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs, visit: Pathways to Science - NSF RET 
Highlights:
Read the Polymer (Science Direct) article about PUMA master teacher and RET participant, Nicole Carro, about her work with Professor Jay Benziger.
Professional Development for Science Teachers Archive
Teachers as Scholars 2018
Teachers as Scholars 2015 poster