Event Title

Research Academy for Teachers (RAFT): A Wild Ride and Fun Summer Experience

Location

Hart 115

Start Time

14-5-2014 11:05 AM

End Time

14-5-2014 12:05 PM

Description

This workshop showcases an experimental biology course designed to target Masters of Arts in Teaching-Biology students. The overall goal was to provide high school teachers with a research-rich laboratory experience to more deeply explore cellular biology. Since understanding of cellular processes is augmented with hands-on training, RAfT was designed to improve understanding of cellular biology and to allow participants to apply techniques using advanced instrumentation (immunoblot, flow cytometry, microscopy). Over the course of seven weeks, participants immersed themselves in the primary literature, designed experiments using the scientific method and ultimately, applied techniques they learned to address a concrete research question of their own choice with focused cellular endpoints. Focus Groups with participants have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that teachers feel more comfortable and confident in teaching cell biology to their students. The inquiry-based strategy used in this course may be used as a model for other graduate and undergraduate courses.

Comments

Moderator: Dr. Martina Arndt

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May 14th, 11:05 AM May 14th, 12:05 PM

Research Academy for Teachers (RAFT): A Wild Ride and Fun Summer Experience

Hart 115

This workshop showcases an experimental biology course designed to target Masters of Arts in Teaching-Biology students. The overall goal was to provide high school teachers with a research-rich laboratory experience to more deeply explore cellular biology. Since understanding of cellular processes is augmented with hands-on training, RAfT was designed to improve understanding of cellular biology and to allow participants to apply techniques using advanced instrumentation (immunoblot, flow cytometry, microscopy). Over the course of seven weeks, participants immersed themselves in the primary literature, designed experiments using the scientific method and ultimately, applied techniques they learned to address a concrete research question of their own choice with focused cellular endpoints. Focus Groups with participants have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that teachers feel more comfortable and confident in teaching cell biology to their students. The inquiry-based strategy used in this course may be used as a model for other graduate and undergraduate courses.