The Teacher Research Academy Model

TRA employs a continuum model where teachers progress through five levels of instruction. Each level builds on the knowledge and experience of the preceding level progressing the teacher from novice to mastery. Materials are aligned with the California and National Science Standards.

Level I - Entry Skills and Knowledge

• Three days of instruction, including hands-on activities using the science and technology of the chosen discipline, lectures by practicing scientists, tours of research facilities, and opportunities to network with researchers and peers
• Develops skills and knowledge consistent with the requirements to teach middle and high school level science
• College credit: 1.0-quarter graduate unit or 1.0 semester extension unit
• No prerequisites

 

Level II - Advance Skills and Knowledge

• Five days of instruction, including hands-on activities using the science and technology of a discipline, lectures by practicing scientists, tours of research facilities, and opportunities to network with researchers and peers
• Develops skills and knowledge consistent with the requirements to teach advanced placement or college preparatory courses
• College credit: 2.0-quarter graduate units or 2.0 semester extension units
• Prerequisite: completion of Level I

 

Level III - Pre-internship Preparation

• Five-days of instruction in research methods and practices, lectures by scientists on research strategies, applied technical writing methods and job shadowing in research labs
• Develops skills and knowledge to prepare teachers to work in a mentored research internship
• College credit: 2.0-quarter graduate units or 2.0 semester extension units
• Prerequisite: completion of Level II

 

Level IV - Mentored Research Internship

• Eight week mentored research work experience where teachers contribute as a member of a research team.
• Teachers receive a $4000 stipend for the successful completion of internship.
• College credit: : 5.0-quarter graduate units or 3.0 semester extension units.  
• Prerequisite: completion of Level III.
• Deliverables: 
  • Create and present a research poster based upon your internship experience at the LLNL Summer Research Symposium.
  • Write a lesson plan extending the research experience into the classroom.

 

Level V - Follow-up Instruction Developing Community of Learners

• Half-day skill and content knowledge building workshop.
• Web-based seminar reinforcing workshop content.
• Half-day workshop where Level V teachers bring students to LLNL for instruction, scientist guest speakers, and tours of research facilities.
• College credit: 1.0 semester extension unit.
• Prerequisite: completion of Level II.