Biotechnology Education Program
Kirk Brown
Tracy Joint Union High School
Tracy, CAStanley Hitomi
Monte Vista High School
Danville, CA
Background
The Biotechnology Education Program is a two-week program in which high school teachers from many subject areas and their students explore biotechnology issues such as genetic engineering and research ethics. Key subject areas include math, social science, English, and science. Other subjects such as electronics, art and modern language can be included. BEP activities can also be coordinated with school functions such as assemblies and "Back to School" nights.Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Education Program developed BEP with the help of a multidisciplinary group of high school teachers, scientists, and other private and public organizations. The program was designed to improve students learning, increase teacher proficiency and involve the entire school community.
BEP is a ninth-to-twelfth grade program, which is presented concurrently at each grade level for a two-week period. In ninth grade, students explore basic concepts of biotechnology; in tenth grade, recombinant DNA; in eleventh grade, genetic testing; and in twelfth grade, personal choices and responsibilities. By the end of high school, students will have explored most of the fundamental facts and issues, have developed decision making skills, be aware of ethical issues, and be well-informed citizens on the topic of biotechnology.
BEP also includes extensive and unique teacher-training workshops. Teachers receive the basic content knowledge, methods and instructional strategies required to integrate biotechnology into their subject areas. Through BEP, teachers establish a partnership with the scientific community and develop a network of support and resources with other teachers. In addition, the Laboratory provides an assessment of instruction using new strategies to assess student learning in multiple disciplines.
Schools involve the entire school community when implementing the BEP community when implementing the BEP curriculum. The program encourages parents to participate in guest lecture nights, career fairs, and hands-on workshops. School administrators can expand community relations through student and parent activities. They may also use BEP to create business and community partnerships, and the BEP model to initiate systemic reform.
Lesson/Activity
Materials needed: Biotechnology Education Program Curriculum
- Contact Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory:
Richard Farnsworth: farnsworth1@llnl.govActivities: In Curriculum being made available to workshop participants and through commercial vendors.
Method of Evaluation: Pre/Post and subject assessments.
Extention/Reinforcement/Additonal Ideas
If you are interested in starting a hub in your area or would like to explore training your staff please contact:
- Kirk Brown
Tracy High
N2genes@aol.comStan Hitomi
Monte Vista High
Hitman55@aol.comRichard Farnsworth
Director of Teacher Programs
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
farnsworth1@llnl.gov
Work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract W-7405-ENG-48. UCRL-TB-121970.
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