Teacher Research Associates (TRAC) program appointments are available this summer at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. Appointments are for a duration of 8-10 weeks with a stipend of $600 per week.

Program Description

The goals of the TRAC program are to provide outstanding science, mathematics, computer science and technology teachers with professional scientific and engineering experiences through summer research opportunities. The increased awareness and understanding of cutting-edge science and technology obtained by the teacher is intended to be transferred back to the classroom.

Fermilab operates the highest energy particle accelerator in the world as a tool for pursuing ``high energy physics'' or ``elementary particle physics'' research. The goal of this research is to explore the basic structure of matter and to acquire an understanding of the laws of nature at the most fundamental level. Basic research of this type in the past has revealed the structure of the atom, and then the nucleus of the atom as well as the fundamental forces and interactions which govern their behavior. Present-day research penetrates still deeper into this structure to study the basic constituents of which all matter is comprised (quarks and leptons). Current research at the lab seeks to understand the origin of mass, to measure the paramaters associated with neutrino oscillations, to understand subtle differences between matter and antimatter and to search for deviations from the current Standard Model of particle interactions. Recently, Fermilab was the site of the discovery of the previously elusive ``top'' quark, the last of the six quarks which are believed to exist.

Eligibility

The program is open to 7th through 12th grade teachers employed full time in public, private or parochial schools with primary teaching assignments in science, math, computer science or technology education. Teachers must be assigned a full time teaching load during the academic year prior to the appointment and expect to do the same during the following year.

Qualifications

Selection is based on the applicant's educational and professional qualifications, commitment to teaching, references, compatibility of scientific interests with resources available at Fermilab, and the expected benefits of the research opportunity to the applicant, the applicant's home institution and Fermilab. Additionally, preference shall be given to applicants from schools and districts which emphasize and support the development of this research experience into programs which may be transferred back into the classroom.

Duration

The TRAC appointment is for 8-10 weeks during the summer.

Stipend

The stipend is $600 per week. There is no support for travel or housing.

Application

Completed application packages must be returned by March 14, 2008