Teachers participating in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Site for Sustainable Polymer Engineering Research at the University of Southern Mississippi engage in six-weeks of summer research with faculty in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering. Teachers engage in project themes that include (1) Reducing waste through design of degradable and bio-based polymers, (2) Improving water quality through polymer sensors and delivery vehicles, (3) Enabling alternative energy approaches with high performance polymers. RET participants work with faculty and graduate students to develop research-based laboratory activities for implementation in their classrooms that incorporate real-world polymer examples while addressing national science standards. RET Participants also mentor Middle School Science Teacher Workshop participants to assist in the development of polymer science and engineering curriculum for middle school students. Throughout the year, RET faculty and graduate student mentors visit RET participant’s classrooms to assist in facilitating the research-based lesson and to lead hands-on laboratory activities. An overview of the successful summer research program will be highlighted, with examples of engaging activities that explore fundamental science and engineering concepts. Successful tools used to develop lessons and improve the impact of polymer research in the classroom will be presented.

Polymer science and engineering curriculum and laboratory activities developed for high school classrooms by RET participants at the University of Southern Mississippi

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.