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RAILES Program

Calling all U.S.-based high school Earth Science and Environmental Science teachers! Become immersed in a PD session at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and explore how to use real-world water data to familiarize students with AI techniques and skills. Applications are now open to take part in the program from July 26-30, 2026.

Program Details

“Real-world AI Literacy in Earth Science” (RAILES) invites high school Earth Science and Environmental Science teachers to apply for a 4-day Teaching and Learning Academy in July 2026, hosted at the University of Alabama (UA) in Tuscaloosa. Teachers will work alongside researchers from UA and education specialists from the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) to explore how AI techniques, such as digital twins and foundation models, are used to study real-world water systems, from river flow and flash flooding to stormwater management. No prior AI experience is required, as this program is designed to build your confidence and fluency with AI skills and applications through the use of hands-on models and localized real-world rainfall and river height data. Curriculum materials will be shared so teachers can pilot adapted lessons with their own students in the fall of 2026.

Program Outline:

  1. May 11: Application review begins and selected participants will be notified ASAP.
  2. June 30 at 7 PM ET: Participants will attend a 1-hour webinar to prepare for the in-person program the following month.
  3. July 26-30: Participants will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to experience and provide input on a 5-day curriculum in which students use models and AI outputs to learn how localized, real-world data (specifically rainfall and river height) can be collected, organized, and analyzed to make sense of water movement through the environment, specifically during flood events.
  4. Fall 2026: Participants will implement the RAILES curriculum at their school (~3-5 days of instruction).

Participants will receive:

  • Hotel accommodations nearby the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
  • Travel expenses to and from Tuscaloosa will be reimbursed.
  • Meal reimbursements, per GSA rates, during the in-person program.
  • Access to the RAILES curriculum.

 

Applications are now open!

Apply now to participate in RAILES. Review of applications will begin on May 11 and will continue until the program is filled.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school Earth Science and/or Environmental Science teacher based in the United States.
  • Ability to commit to implementing a 3-5 day curriculum on factors that affect water movement through the environment in the fall of 2026.
  • Familiarity with water systems and hydrology, weather and climate, human use of Earth’s natural resources, and/or environmental data and modeling.
  • Willingness to learn geoscience applications of AI, and ability to integrate AI-related skills into science curriculum.
  • Confirmed availability for participation in a webinar on June 30 and for the in-person program on July 26-30.

 

Program Partners and Funders

University of Alabalma, Tuscaloosa, National Science Foundation