In 2019, Southern Illinois University Carbondale began a new program designed to revitalize STEM education in Southern Illinois.  The program is supported and funded by the Robert Noyce Program at the National Science Foundation.  Fourteen Master Teachers from elementary to high school and special and general education, were selected to become leaders in their schools and communities.  The teachers will be immersed in topics of environmental sustainability over the course of five years.  Each year, the program will focus on a different theme of sustainability.  
 
During the summer of 2020, the Master Teacher Fellows (MTFs) participated in a summer research immersion experience with the theme of toxicology.  One group of MTFs focused their research on water quality.  They produced a unit about water quality that would work across grades levels 5-12 for both general and special education populations.  Radish seed growth and germination were used to determine toxicity in local water sources.  All students also participated in a citizen science experiment, The Earth Echo Water Challenge.  The teachers predict a change in environmental behaviors and attitudes from students.  

NSF Awards: 1758497

Presented in: 2021 (see original presentation & discussion)