Research Experience for TeachersCenter for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame

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Why Research Matters

“...experience in the practice of science improves the quality and authenticity of science teaching and thereby increases student interest and achievement in science.” (Silverstein et. al, 2009)

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Why Research Matters

Common Teacher Experiences:

1. Treated as professionals

II. Challenged to think creatively.

III. Engaged in authentic contemporary science problem solving.

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Why Research Matters

Experiences in Research Lead to:

I. Sharpened analytic and lab experiment management skills.

II. Better communication of science concepts and practices.

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RET at Notre Dame

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Benefits

• Current research immersion

• Collegial atmosphere

• Free Professional Development

• Stipend & Continuing Education Credit

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Specific Research Offerings

CO2 separation and utilizationArtificial photosynthesis/solar to fuelsSafer nuclear waste disposalBiofuel productionBiological fuel cell technologiesReduction of energy use in manufacturing processesImproved power grid technologies

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Focus of RET at ND

• Experiencing research within a lab setting

• Collaborating with ND faculty and other RET participants

• Developing relevant and effective curricular materials based upon summer experience.

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Case Study

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Reflect

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Refine

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Results Text

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