Grade Level(s): Middle School & High School (Grades 8-10)

Date(s): May 9, May 16, and May 30, 2026

Location: The Science House, NC State University — Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC

Cost: $1,000 Stipend

Description: How do scientists see and study things that are a million times smaller than a grain of sand?

Advances in physics, biology, and engineering are transforming how we understand life at the molecular level. From visualizing DNA to studying protein machines, researchers are uncovering the invisible systems that power living organisms. These discoveries are not only reshaping science– they are shaping the future of medicine, technology, and innovation. 

Yet, access to this knowledge rarely reaches middle school classrooms in meaningful, hands-on ways.

At NC State University, researchers are using advanced tools and interdisciplinary approaches to study biological systems at the nanoscale, but to truly expand the impact of this work, we must bridge the gap between research and K-12 education. 

We invite you to partner with us to bring nanoscale science into your classroom. Through this experience, you will:

• Engage with real research: Learn directly from university researchers studying DNA, molecular structures, and protein systems, and learn what environmental toxins impact DNA, proteins and human health. 
• Translate complex science: Develop ways to make nanoscale concepts accessible and engaging for middle school students.
• Design for impact: Create classroom-ready lessons that connect physics, biology and engineering to real-world applications. 
• Expand opportunity: Introduce students to emerging STEM, biomedical and environmental research pathways and careers they may not otherwise encounter.

Program Overview 

This is a teacher cohort experience designed to immerse middle school & high school educators in nanoscale science research and support the development of classroom-ready curriculum aligned to real scientific work.

Cohort Dates:

• Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Saturday, May 30, 2026

Time:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (full-day sessions)

Location:

The Science House, NC State University — Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC

Phase I: Research Immersion & Learning 

Teachers will engage directly with core concepts in nanoscale science through guided instruction and hands-on exploration.

Examples of activities:

• Learn how scientists visualize DNA and molecular structures
• Explore protein function as molecular machines
• Engage with physics-based tools used to study biological systems
• Participate in lab demonstrations and hands-on experiments
• Experience a NCSU lab tour and/or microscopy-based exploration of biological materials

Phase II: Curriculum Development & Showcase

Teachers will translate their learning into classroom-ready materials.

Examples of activities:

• Develop lesson plans grounded in real research experiences
• Design hands-on activities using accessible classroom materials
• Align lessons to state and/or national science standards
• Collaborate with peers to refine instructional approaches
• Present developed curriculum and receive feedback

Deliverables & Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will develop:

• A standards-aligned lesson or mini-unit focused on nanoscale science based on foundational physics, biology, and chemistry principles.
• Classroom-ready materials that translate advanced research into accessible learning experiences
• Hands-on activities or demonstrations that model nanoscale phenomena
• A deeper understanding of how to connect multidisciplinary research experiences to student learning

Selected materials may be incorporated into the Imhotep Academy Summer I: Life at the Nanoscale curriculum.

Participant Support

Stipend: $1,000

Cohort Size: Approximately 8–10 teachers

Additional support may include:

• Instruction from university researchers
• Access to NCSU lab spaces, materials, and demonstrations
• Ongoing collaboration and feedback during curriculum development

*Instructors whose lessons are chosen to be piloted in the Summer of 2026 may be offered additional support to lead the lessons in a TSH summer program.

Who Should Apply?

Middle and high school teachers in grades 8-10 will be given preference; teachers/instructors teaching grades 7-12 will be considered on an individual basis

• Bringing cutting-edge science into their classrooms
• Connecting physics, biology, and engineering concepts
• Developing hands-on, inquiry-based STEM lessons
• Expanding student awareness of STEM, biomedical and environmental research careers

No prior experience in nanoscale science is required—only curiosity and a willingness to learn.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF to:

imhotep_kyran@ncsu.edu

Use the subject line: Nanoscale Teacher Cohort Application – [Your Name] to ensure your materials are properly received and reviewed.

Application Materials:

• Resume (1–2 pages)
• Statement of Interest (Max 500 words) addressing:
  • Why you are interested in this opportunity
  • What you hope to gain from the experience, including
    • How this experience would impact your teaching practices
• Course Context Summary (courses taught, grade level, student population)

Contact(s): Dr. Alonzo Alexander, Email: abalexan@ncsu.edu Additional Contact(s): Dr. Hong Wang, Email: hwang18@ncsu.edu

Application Deadline: April 17, 2026 All applicants will receive a decision by April 21, 2026, allowing time to prepare for the first session on May 9, 2026.