The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Announces
Opportunities for Research Experiences for Teachers
(RET Program), to be held during the summers of 2006 and 2007

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) announces the availability of two appointments for science teachers beginning in July, 2006. The "Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)" is a 14-week summer program (8 weeks in 2006 and 6 weeks in 2007), designed to allow science teachers from Boston area high schools to participate in a program of research at SAO. During the first 8 weeks (Summer 2006), the teachers will use this experience to develop a new curricular unit for use in their classrooms. The following summer (2007), the teachers will return to SAO to adjust their new curricular material based on their direct experience with it in the classroom, to develop this unit into a web based form for use by other teachers, and to plan and direct a teacher workshop for other local area science teachers in the Fall of 2007. Teachers will also be supported to present their scientific results and their newly developed curricular material at either the American Astronomical Society meeting or the National Science Teachers Association meeting.

The Observatory is seeking applications from teachers with commitments from their educational institutions to introduce the lessons developed in the RET program into their schools' science curricula. Dr. Christine Jones will work closely with teachers on the analysis of Chandra X-ray Observatory observations.

For information about the Chandra project, see:

             __Chandra__

Related science curricula will be defined in concert with teachers and in alignment with the National and State standards.
Questions may be directed to Kara Tutunjian: (617) 496-7063,
or to: ktutunjian[at]cfa.harvard.edu.
Stipends will be $800 per week.
Application forms and instructions may be obtained from:

            Saeqa Vrtilek
            SAO/RET Program
            60 Garden Street, MS 83,
            Cambridge, MA 02138

Application materials should be mailed to the above address by March 15th, 2006.
Electronic or FAX submissions of applications will not be accepted.

Notification of awards will not be made before April 15, 2006.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.