Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

Through our six-to-eight week joint Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, teachers are able to devote energy to educational and technical research as part of a scientific research community. Participants have the benefit of significant collaboration with the science education community within the Harvard Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) and Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) programs, as well as the support of other RET participants.

The RET program is designed to build bridges between K12 education and research in nanoscale, bio, and materials science & engineering; involve educators in the research community; enhance the quality of pre-college education; and result in the production of classroom-tested instructional materials.

Teachers in 3 National Science Foundation-funded programs will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and each other to develop educational modules based on their exposure to research throughout the summer. While all teacher participants share common meeting and training activities, each funding source has a distinct focus.