Curriculum Developer

Educational outreach activities are facilitated by the Educational Programs Department within Argonne. Educational Programs' vision is to enrich science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through programs that advance Argonne's strategic energy, environment, and security initiatives and to develop new educational programs based on transforming discoveries that further the Department of Energy's workforce development and science literacy mission.

Argonne Education cultivates the next generation of scientists and engineers by connecting with over 23,000 youth and families, inspiring 3,500 middle and high school students in our new on-site Learning Center and providing internships and on-site program to over 500 university students that broaden their interest in science and engineering.

This role develops and writes technology-enhanced atmospheric science lessons, field tests activities and manages a small cohort of local middle school teachers through the curriculum pilot process. This position is funded by an NSF grant for three years and contingent upon further funding.

Position Requirements

In this role you will:

• Use the Backwards Design process to develop and design and 6-week curricular unit that integrates atmospheric data collected from Argonne's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Climate Research Facility, visualization software and hands-on experiences to teach middle school students computational thinking practices. (70%)

This includes:

• Identify and design a content storyline aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and practices

• Design, develop and pilot hands-on atmospheric science activities

• Write and edit activities and lessons

• Work on an interdisciplinary team that includes; learning scientists, visualization and computational scientists, curriculum specialists, atmospheric scientists, educational technology experts, and teachers; to develop a computational thinking framework and aligned curriculum. (20%)

• Support teachers and students during the classroom implementation of the curriculum which includes: providing logistics and tech support, teacher coaching and data collection. (10%)

Position Requirements

We expect you to have:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in designing activities and curricula for middle school science classrooms. Specifically looking for expertise in: scientific inquiry, problem-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards and the backwards design process.

• Strong experience in developing technology-enhanced curriculum. Specifically, integrating data analysis technology, virtual models, simulations, and visualizations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and manage multiple deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong track record of designing and implementing STEM curricular activities and/or units.

• Knowledge of implementing computational thinking, visualizations, modeling and simulations into middle school learning environments.

• Knowledge of atmospheric science or meteorology.

• Strong understanding of learning theory and pedagogical best practices.

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM education with a strong emphasis in any of the following areas: earth science, atmospheric science, weather, meteorology and five years experience in teaching in a formal or informal learning environment.

Additional Requirements:

This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required for job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. This position will be required to participate in occasional weekend programming

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.