The Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems (Nano-CEMMS), in collaboration with Champaign Community Unit School District #4 and Education for Employment System #330 has applied for an Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant for teacher training. The project would be called the Eastern Central Illinois Nanotechnology Teacher Enhancement Program (ECINTEP).

Pending funding, participating teachers can look forward to a dynamic and engaging staff development opportunity, where they have the chance to learn first-hand how scientists and engineers work to manipulate matter at the molecular level. Scientists at the University of Illinois and in industry will demonstrate current research as well as the practical applications of these research principles in product development. Curricular work focuses on mimicking the expensive tools and processes found in Nano-CEMMS labs in a way that is practical and affordable in a school classroom.  All material that is developed would link to the Illinois Learning Standards, the PSAE Assessment Frameworks, and Advanced Placement courses.

Participants in a Nano-CEMMS Summer Teachers Institute work on a soft-lithography project under the guidance of Professor Kenis.

Interdisciplinary teams of math, science, and career and technical education teachers participate in a two-week summer Institute and partner with scientists and engineers in state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities. They see first hand how these specialists utilize scientific inquiry, mathematical problem-solving, and engineering design and technology to solve real-world problems associated with the science of nanotechnology. Teachers develop hands-on, cross-disciplinary classroom activities designed to teach students the principles of nanotechnology and to highlight many of the careers associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Participants in the Nano-CEMMS Summer Teacher's Workshop work together with Professor Choquette's Photonics Device Research Laboratory.

During the first week of the Institute, teachers are introduced to nanotechnology through demonstrations and presentations. They tour Nano-CEMMS research facilities and work directly with nanoscientists in a cleanroom, using nanotechnology processes to complete a project. During week two, teachers will share ideas as they develop nanotechnology learning modules for their classrooms, including higher-order thinking skills, hands-on experiences, the incorporation of reading across the curriculum, the adaptation of instruction to a variety of learning styles, as well as the development of appropriate assessments to measure student understanding.

During the subsequent school year, the Nano-CEMMS educators follow the progress of teachers implementing the modules in their classrooms and provide support and materials for teachers implementing the developing curriculum. Four additional Institute days provide continued collaborative work, focused on helping teams field test and apply research-based, best practices in the development of their classroom activities.

At the conclusion of the school year, teams participate in a two-day Wrap-Up Conference, where teachers exercise their content knowledge and instructional skills by presenting their classroom activities based on concepts of a research-driven curriculum development model. Instructions and resources for the modules will be made available to teachers and students worldwide through the project’s web site.

• Work and collaborate with other teachers in a interdisciplinary model
• Complete an on-line assessment (pre and post), measuring teachers’ current instructional practices and content to show alignment between current instruction and State Standards (additional information available at: www.secsurvey.org)
• Attend a ten-day summer Institute: July 13 - 24, July 27 - August 7.
• Work throughout the school year to develop and implement nanotechnology and engineering related curriculum, including a formalized project related to this curriculum and your instruction
• Participate in programmatic evaluation throughout participation in the project
• Return to the University of Illinois for four, one-day Institutes
• Come back after the school year in June for a two-day Wrap Up Conference
• Receive a stipend ($30.00/hour less deductions) for participation during non-school year Institute days and district reimbursement for substitutes during school year dates
• Agree that Nano-CEMMs and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have permission to utilize and disseminate the work created during the program

To be considered for this opportunity, interested teachers should complete and submit the application on this web site. Click the apply button below to do so.