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Table 6 Selection of scientists’ responses to sub-question 2(b)

From: Scientists benefit greatly from K-12 partnerships: the Panama Research Experiences for Teachers project

• My experience working with the teachers was more like a mentor-mentor relationship. I provided science content, but they provide teaching expertise. I've been surprised by how well connected many of the teachers have remained with FLMNH and their continued interest in developing new paleontology lessons

• I learned that most of the teachers were incredibly eager to learn about the way scientists gather data and interpret it. I had a great time explaining and demonstrating the research process

• …Without a doubt, the passion that I witnessed amongst the teachers in my group surprised me the most! This extremely prevalent passion just proves the value of GABI-RET. Five cohorts and there is still an army of STEM teachers longing to be part of GABI-RET

• I learned that when teachers are able to participate in science, the stories and pictures they bring back to the classroom can be just as engaging to the students as if they had gone on the trip themselves. I also saw how participating improves teachers understanding of the scientific process that they are tasked with teaching

• I learned that the teachers are highly motivated to learn as much as possible, and to pass along this new information to their students. With one notable exception (my high school biology teacher who got me interested in natural history), I don't remember my teachers in middle and high school being that interested or motivated

• The questions asked by the teachers about my research were excellent—these questions forced me to think critically about areas of my research that I did not understand well enough

• I learned how much teachers sacrifice for their students, and I was surprised to find this is true across teachers from all over the country