The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program
The RET program engages five science teachers at the high school or community college level in a six week experience of hands-on nanotechnology research and curriculum development at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.

Program participants will receive a stipend of $5300, along with support for classroom supplies and travel to a spring RET workshop. No prior scientific research experience is necessary. This program is part of a multi-site RET sponsored by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) network and supported by the National Science Foundation.

The NNCI RET program is 7 weeks total:

  • Six weeks working in a lab at the University and drafting a classroom activity related to nanoscience
    • Tentative Dates:  June 20 – July 28, 2023
  • Plus one week during the school year which includes:
    • A follow-up visit to your classroom by the RET coordinator
    • Sharing your experience at the annual meeting of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

The RET Program provides:

  • A summer stipend of $5,300
  • Travel support to the NSTA meeting– up to $1,250
  • Classroom materials support
  • Hands-on research experience in a nanotechnology-related lab
  • Assistance from faculty research advisors and graduate student mentors

Teachers are required to:

  • Complete the summer research experience
  • Attend all summer meetings, workshops, and seminars
  • Develop an instructional unit based on the experience
  • Implement their lesson in their classroom with RET mentor/coordinator support
  • Attend the NSTA National Conference, share their RET experience at the NNCI booth, and present their lesson during the NNCI RET presentation
  • Provide a webinar on their curriculum to the Teaching Nano and Emerging Technologies Network

To apply to the 2023 RET program, go to the RET Application

Eligibility for Application

  • Must teach in grades 9-12 or be technical/community college faculty
  • Must teach science or technology
  • Contact Jim Marti (jmarti@umn.edu) with questions or for more information

Apply today!