Middle School Summer Academy Application Form
2011 Summer Academy Participants travel to Lincoln Way Energy Ethanol Plant in Nevada, Iowa.
Past Participants & Participant Research Projects
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 Dr. Jackie Baughman, Dept. of Ag. And Biosystems Engineering, and 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, ethanel fermentation, biodiesel production and testing, thermochemical processing of biomass, extraction of essential oils, bio-plastics producation, 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 onging relationships and networks.
Program Highlights
- Stipend: $800/week for four 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 9–July 27, 2012
Application Deadline: March 1, 2012
