Developing Tomorrow's Science Teachers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) program, a collaborative project of California State University, provides pre-service and early-career science teachers with eight-week-long, paid and mentored research internships at a national research center. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is one of four institutions hosting STAR interns in summer 2009. See the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESaME) web site for details about the STAR program.

Program Goals

• Attract undergraduate science majors to teaching careers by providing them with professional identities as both scientists and educators.
• Give future science teachers first-hand experience within an applied research setting and connect them with a community of science practitioners.
• Cultivate increased interest in science teaching to help address the shortage of science teachers in California.
• Foster inquiry-based teaching and learning strategies to enhance student interest in science.
• Open the door to expanded connections between national laboratories and schools through field trips, guest scientists and other interactions.

What You Will Do

• Conduct scientific research as a member of a Laboratory research team.
• Engage in weekly seminars and workshops focused on science teaching.
• Attend professional development workshops with practicing teachers.
• Attend science seminars offered by Laboratory researchers.
• Prepare and present a research poster describing the summer research experience.
• Attend at a special symposium for participants from all four STAR sites.
• Attend social activities with Livermore STAR program participants and summer students.
• Participate in STAR program evaluation activities during and after the internship.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

• California State University science students in their junior or senior years who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching middle- or high-school science.
• Recent science or engineering graduates who have applied to or are enrolled in a California State University teacher credential program.
• Grade 6-12 science teachers in their first three years of teaching.

Citizenship Requirement

• Participants interning at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must be U.S. citizens.

Academic Credit

• Contact the STAR program administration for details about earning academic credit for the summer internship.

Stipend and Expenses

• Participants will receive a $4,000 stipend for completing the eight-week internship.
• Travel costs also may be covered by the STAR program.
• Contact the STAR program administration for specific information about stipends and travel reimbursement.

Accommodations

• Housing costs may be covered by the STAR program.
• Questions about accommodations should be directed to the STAR program administration.