Argonne helps teach the science teachers

This summer, 20 local K-12 teachers walked in their students' shoes for a month at Argonne.

The new and veteran educators participated in the Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development Program, "Teachers as Investigators. The three-year program, part of the new science education initiative announced by U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham in July, was designed to expand scientific knowledge and develop research experience among science and math teachers.

The teachers focused on three components — a research project, an education module and a professional development plan. The research topics focused on environmental chemistry and included soil and water composition and quality.

Teachers, accustomed to standing in front of the classroom, moved into the laboratory where they had to gather data, use unfamiliar instruments and procedures, get along in groups and, most importantly, learn.

One group used a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer and flame atomic absorption to test for organic and inorganic materials. Most teachers would not have access to these instruments in their schools.

At the end of the program, the teachers were awarded with a mini-grant that they can use to purchase resources for their classrooms. Some chose to buy less expensive versions of these advanced instruments such as hand-held probes.

The teachers found that sometimes projects take longer than expected, the results do not make sense or working in a group can be difficult.

One team set up an education module to do soil testing using commercial soil testing kits. They also created project extensions, brainstormed science club activities and even envisioned a not-for-profit organization. Team members were excited to bring their ideas back to their classrooms this school year and to continue their research when they return to Argonne next summer.