The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program--Returns Summer 2025!
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 cash stipend, 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
- 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 Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA)
The RET Program provides:
- A summer stipend
- Travel support to the MnSTA meeting
- 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 MnSTA Conference to share their RET experience
- Provide a webinar on their curriculum to the Teaching Nano and Emerging Technologies Network
The RET program will return Summer 2025
Watch this page for updates on eligibility and applications.
Contact mnc2umn.edu with questions or for more information.