Middle School Summer Academy Application Form
Past Participants Participant Research Projects 2012 Academy Video
Program Description
Iowa State University (ISU) is offering middle school science teachers the opportunity to participate in a three-week professional development workshop to study the methods of biomass utilization to produce biorenewable products, including biofuels and bio-materials. No prior knowledge in this area is necessary to be accepted into this program. Teachers will be introduced to cutting-edge research underway at ISU to address the global challenges facing society’s dependence on finite sources of fossil-based energy. The Summer Academy will include STEM curricula associated with this topic and applicable to the Iowa Core Curriculum and middle school science standards and benchmarks. The three weeks will include presentations by ISU faculty and staff, hands-on lab activities, and field trips to Iowa’s biorenewables-related research facilities and bio-based industries. Teachers will collaborate and develop classroom material to present to their students about biorenewables and associated careers. The program will be facilitated by Eric Hall, Hoover High School Des Moines.
Major Activities
- Teachers are introduced to the science and methods of biorenewables resource utilization through classroom activities and training workshops.
- Teachers develop scientific inquiry skills and gain experience using diverse research methods and equipment through hands-on laboratory exercises. Topics include: properties of biomass, ethanol fermentation, biodiesel production and testing, thermochemical processing of biomass, extraction of essential oils, bio-plastics production, and bio-asphalt testing.
- Presentations are given based on one of the laboratory exercises as a result of individual mini research projects.
- Formal visits to Iowa State University’s biorenewables-related research facilities and local bio-based industries are coordinated.
- Collaboration among peer teachers, faculty, and researchers in formal and informal settings in efforts of establishing on-ging relationships and networks.
Program Highlights
- Stipend: $800/week for three weeks
- Travel: up to $500.00 travel allowance or on-campus housing
- Optional participation for two summers
- Classroom supplies allowance to incorporate science experience into classroom and curriculum
Program Dates: July 8–July 26, 2013
Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
For further information, please contact:
Stacy Renfro
srenfro@iastate.edu
(515) 294-8582
Sponsored in partnership with:
