Science/Career Fairs:

• NIEHS staff can participate as a judge at your school science fair
• NIEHS Staff can participate in a career fair at your school.
• Schools must be within a 50-mile radius of Research Triangle Park, NC
• More information on Science/Career Fairs / Request Form

Tours of NIEHS:

• For K thru 12 students and teachers
• Tour of the NIEHS Campus
• An inside look at career options available in biomedical research
• Video of NIEHS, overview of research and much more!
• More information on NIEHS tours / Request Form

Tours:

As part of its education outreach efforts, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offers educational tours/visits of the Institute, as well as classroom visits by NIEHS scientists. The tours offer K thru 12 students and teachers the opportunity to learn about a wide range of fascinating topics related to environmental health, along with an inside look at some of the career options available to those who are considering employment in biomedical research.

Institute tours are conducted weekdays during normal business hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm) and are reserved on a first-come first-served basis. Our standard tour packages usually last from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the specific needs of each group. They may include any or all of the following components:

• A 10-minute video titled "Your Environment is Your Health" that gives audiences a brief overview of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the research it conducts on the health effects of environmental agents.
• A 30-minute oral presentation by one of our senior program staff that outlines some of the exciting work being done by NIEHS scientists and grantees on the health effects of such agents as lead, mercury, pesticides, indoor and outdoor air pollutants and ultraviolet light.
• A brief overview of a specific research initiative from one of our senior scientists that includes the primary mission and objectives, examples of current projects, and potential applications for the treatment and prevention of human diseases.
• A brief hands-on presentation that features simple demonstrations in laboratory techniques, physical and chemical properties of different substances, and basic environmental concepts.
• A discussion of the NIEHS K thru 12 science education program, which highlights student and teacher resources and activities for use in the classroom.
• An overview of the Summers of Discovery Program, which provides summer job opportunities for high school, college undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences.
• Important information about NIEHS funding opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral students, and career scientists.
• A guided tour of the NIEHS campus and main building that includes a look at some of the laboratory areas where NIEHS scientists do their research. Students must be at least 16 years of age in order to participate in laboratory tours.

If you would like to learn more about our tour opportunities or arrange for a visit, please fill out the request form.

• Additional Resources:
  • NIEHS Visitor Information
  • Introduction to NIEHS

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Classroom Visits:

In cases where a field trip to NIEHS may not be feasible, NIEHS staff is available for off-site visits to public and private schools, colleges, and universities within a 50-mile radius of Research Triangle Park. We offer both a general overview that includes a discussion of the Institute's mission and programs, and a more focused presentation package that covers a specific research agenda.

The general overview visit includes the 10-minute video "Your Environment is Your Health," and a 30-minute presentation on the cutting-edge research conducted by NIEHS scientists on the health effects of heavy metals, pesticides, indoor and outdoor air pollutants, and other environmental agents that cause human illness.

Those who want an overview of a specific program will learn about its scope and purpose, examples of past and current projects, and potential applications for the treatment of environmentally-related illnesses. The actual content will depend on the specific interests of the class, and the availability of Institute researchers. Each program also includes a brief question-and-answer session in which students have the chance to follow up on some of the environmental health issues being discussed.

If you would like to learn more about our tour opportunities or arrange for a visit, please fill out the request form.

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Science/Career Fair:

NIEHS staff are often able to help out at local science fairs and career fairs. Please let us know the dates, location and other logistical information of your event to meet your needs.

If you would like to learn more about our tour opportunities or arrange for a visit, please fill out the request form.

NIEHS Resources Professional Development Tours and Visits En Español