Finding Tomorrows Science Teachers
This Symposium is designed to attract undergraduate science majors to participate in the California State University's Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) program. STAR provides science majors at CSU campuses the opportunity to participate in mentored research at a federal laboratory where they develop their understanding that teachers are scientists.
What You Will Do:
The Teller Symposium brings these students inside Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where they will:
- Tour the National Ignition Facility (NIF) the world's largest laser developed to produce fusion energy
- Meet researchers who have mentored past STAR students
- Develop an understanding of the scope of the research occurring at a national laboratory
- Participate in a critical discussion of an important issue where science is playing a significant role in understanding and solving the problem
Program Description:
Evidence continues to accumulate that carbon dioxide, or CO2, from fossil fuel burning is causing dangerous interference in the climate. During the 2009 Symposium, students will examine issues surrounding global climate change. They will learn from LLNL scientists about new technologies being developed at Livermore Laboratory to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere and combat global warming. These technologies include geothermal energies, wind energy, carbon sequestration, cryogenic hydrogen fueled vehicles, nuclear power, fusion energy.
Following this update of information, the students will participate in the Stabilization Wedge Concept Game, an interactive activity developed at Princeton University to promote critical thinking about global warming. This activity is led by high school science teachers modeling best practices in promoting critical thinking among students.
When:
Date to be Announced for 2009
Where:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Who Should Attend:
Juniors and seniors currently enrolled at a California State University (CSU) campus with a science math, or engineering major who interested in becoming a science teacher, students with a science degree currently enrolled in a teacher credential program at a CSU campus, and past participants for the Science Teacher and Research (STAR) program are eligible to participate. All participants must be US CITIZENS. Enrollment is limited to 50 participants.
Travel Cost and Reimbursement:
The cost of the conference is free to CSU affiliates. Student travel, lodging, and meals are covered by each CSU campus through MSTI or other funds. Contact your CSU campus representative (faculty advisor, science/math dean, education dean) regarding support for travel expenses. If you need further assistance finding your campus representative, please send an email.
Academic Credit:
Participants may receive 1 unit of continuing education credit from CSU Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for the completion of the symposium. Registration forms are distributed at the end of the workshop. Payment for course credit ($60) may be made by personal check or credit card.
Dress Requirements:
No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, Capri or cropped pants, skirts or dresses. Sturdy shoes enclosing the entire foot must be worn. Tennis shoes or loafers are acceptable. No footwear with open toes, open backs, moccasins, sandals or high heels.
Collaborative Partnership:
LLNL and California State University welcome emerging science teacher candidates from California State University campuses to the Teller Symposium. This experience represents a beginning opportunity for new teachers to remain current in the advancements of their scientific field and learn current updates in scientific developments that will enable them to present science and mathematics in engaging, inspiring ways.
