Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Research
Bio-ITEST Professional Development Workshop
August 2-13, 2010

Designed primarily for high school biology, advanced biology, and biotechnology teachers.
Prior bioinformatics experience is not required.

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Download Syllabus (subject to change)

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For access to Course Readings, Click the “Homework and Readings” section under “2010 Summer Professional Development Workshop.”

Are you interested in learning more about the intersection of information technology and biological research? Would you like to engage your high school students with an authentic genetic research project that uses the same bioinformatics resources used by scientists? NWABR is excited to announce a new bioinformatics professional development opportunity and curriculum, Bio-ITEST.

Dates & Locations

Detailed Housing Information for out of town participants.

Link to UW Housing Information for out of town participants.

Program Description
Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Research is a two-week professional development experience for teachers to learn about both the Introductory and Advanced Strand Bio-ITEST lessons. Teachers will receive training in the use of bioinformatics tools to analyze DNA sequences, perform multiple sequence alignments and explore protein structure. Teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in a research study of the program and to provide critical feedback on lesson drafts.

The program is funded by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers Award from the National Science Foundation and is comprised of two different units or “Strands.” The Introductory Strand, Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Testing, utilizes bioinformatics resources to teach basic concepts in molecular biology. The Advanced Strand, Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Research, builds upon the introductory lessons by incorporating additional informatics resources and includes an authentic inquiry-based investigation specifically for advanced students.

As part of this workshop, teachers will receive:

• Background in using both the Introductory and Advanced Strand materials with students
• Training in the use of numerous bioinformatics resources, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the search engine Entrez
• Instruction on viewing macromolecules using Cn3D
• Training in software for annotating DNA sequences and performing multiple sequence alignments
• Background information on the genes that are the focus of the Advanced Strand research project
• Scientific support in the implementation of the student research project
• An opportunity to provide critical feedback on lesson drafts

Research and Evaluation
In order to determine whether our program is meeting its goals, we will conduct a research study in classrooms of participating teachers. We are interested in the effect of the professional development workshop and curricula on student achievement and interest in STEM careers. The research study is also required by our funders, the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program through the National Science Foundation. All teachers who participate in the summer workshop are requested to participate in this study. However, the study is voluntary and teachers may choose to opt out at any time.

Accepted candidates will participate in the two-week summer program and will complete a pre-survey (prior to the workshop) and a post-survey (at the end of the workshop). Teachers will also need to secure the support of their administration (principal or district supervisor) as part of their application. After the summer workshop, teachers will introduce the study to their students, provide instruction based on the program materials (approximately one to two weeks), administer brief (15 minute) pre- and post-surveys before and after Bio-ITEST lessons to their students, and provide the surveys to us for analysis.

Stipend, Credit, and Clock Hours
Teachers will receive a $1000 stipend for their participation in the two-week professional development workshop, of which $900 will be provided August 13th, and $100 upon completion of the field test at the end of the 2010/2011 academic year. Teachers will also receive access to specialized software and bioinformatics resources. Clock hours will be provided free of charge, and credits may be purchased through our collaboration with Seattle University. Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily.

Collaborators
Major collaborators include Geospiza (a Seattle bioinformatics company), EdLab (formerly the Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology), and Shoreline Community College. The program also draws on NWABR’s strong relationships with school districts, community groups, bioethicists and NWABR member research institutions.

The BioITEST program is made possible by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers grant award from the National Science Foundation, DRL-0833779

NWABR is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
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