Magnet Lab Hosts University of Florida Student and Teacher Researchers

July 14, 1999

By Kathy Hedick
Contact:
Pat Dixon, (850) 644-4707

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Throughout the summer, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and three NHMFL faculty members at the University of Florida have integrated college students from other universities and secondary teachers into ongoing research projects. On Friday, July 16, the fifty students and teachers working in Gainesville will travel to Tallahassee for the day to learn about their counterparts' experiences investigating topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, and magnet building.

The students and teachers at both institutions are part of National Science Foundation-funded programs called Research Experience for Undergraduates and Research Experience for Teachers. The REU program offers outstanding science, mathematics, and engineering students unique opportunities to be part of R&D activities in laboratory settings. Through RET, teachers enjoy similar research experiences, but also participate in curriculum development activities. REU and RET participants are paired with senior researchers and scientists who serve as mentors throughout the summer fellowships.

Activities begin on July 16 at 11:00 a.m. with an overview by NHMFL director, Dr. Jack Crow, followed by tours of the laboratory. At 1:00 p.m., the Tallahassee REU and RET participants will give entertaining brief summaries of their summer research experiences. During one presentation, RET members will demonstrate electromagnetic launch using the pulsed magnet they built, and explain how these experiences can be incorporated into classroom activities.

The tour and colloquium comes on the heels of a similar trip by the NHMFL's REU and RET members to the University of Florida on Tuesday, July 13, 1999.