The goal of<b> </b>the National Science Foundation sponsored “Research Experience for Teachers Site for Sustainable Polymer Engineering Research” (RET) at The University of Southern Mississippi<b> </b>is to develop long-term professional relationships between faculty researchers and local teachers by providing meaningful research experiences. This is achieved through partnership with local community college instructors and high school teachers who participate in a six-week summer research experience with polymer science and engineering faculty members. During the summer teachers perform research in the area of sustainable materials, and pair with faculty to perform research in three areas: (1) improved efficiency polymer solar cells, (2) high-performance polymers and composites, and (3) environmental impact of synthetic materials in sea water. Teachers are also involved in professional development workshops to enhance their oral and written communication skills. By the end of their research experience, teachers develop classroom lessons and laboratory actives with content based on their own research findings. The lessons are designed to engage students in experiments with relevance to the world around them and that address national science standards. A few research projects that were developed into successful classroom lessons will be highlighted. During the summer, teachers present a research update and scientific poster presentation. Teachers also publish their activities and experiments in “Teach Engineering” as well as present them at the annual Mississippi Science Teachers Association meeting. This presentation will highlight successful tools used to develop lessons and improve the impact of polymer research in the classroom.

Developing polymer research lessons for the high school classroom – NSF RET at The University of Southern Mississippi

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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