34 Teachers Will Attend Smithsonian STEM Academies This Summer

The Dow-CH2M Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program, designed to help teachers develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, will bring 34 teachers from five states to Washington, D.C., this summer to participate in professional development academies at the Smithsonian.

The program is part of the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers (SSEATS), a series of annual week-long professional development academies for teachers held by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. This year, SSEATS will offer three six-day programs developed in partnership with Dow.

The Dow Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program includes:

  • Biodiversity Academy from June 19-24;
  • Energy's Innovations and Implications July 10-15; and
  • Earth's History and Global Change July 17-22.

"This experience affords teachers the opportunity to engage in authentic STEM experiences by working directly with scientists and going behind the scenes at our Smithsonian museums and research centers," said Smithsonian Science Education Center Director Carol O'Donnell.

Following the program, they will receive continued support from other teacher-participants in their areas who have participated in previous academies. Likewise, Dow and CH2M employee volunteers will also interact in organized programs with teachers in their areas on STEM-related classroom demonstrations, career talks and technical expertise.

Dow Chemical has sponsored the Smithsonian program since 2007 and CH2M became a partner sponsor this year. Since 2007, more than 240 teachers have been involved in the summer academies.

About the Author

Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.

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