In 1987, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center offered its first Biotechnology Workshop for Educators, beginning a tradition of providing North Carolina educators with practical hands-on training in biotechnology for the classroom. Our biotechnology industry is thriving, with more than 450 bioscience companies headquartered or operating in the state. Biotechnology is now specifically included in the state's Standard Course of Study for high school Biology. These and many things have changed since our workshops began, but teachers still need effective teaching tools such as the kinds of hands-on activities featured in our workshops, and students’ learning is still improved when teachers employ a hands-on approach. Now, for the 22nd consecutive year, the Center will sponsor its popular Summer Workshops for Educators.
This year we are offering five Introductory Biotechnology workshops designed for high school science teachers and also for college faculty seeking new teaching ideas. Three additional workshops target high school science teachers having previously completed an Introductory Biotechnology workshop, as well as community college and four-year college faculty. Of particular interest this year to college faculty is Genomics and Bioinformatics: Teaching with Model Organisms.
2008 Summer Workshop Schedule
| Workshop | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Biotechnology | June 16-20 | UNC - Charlotte |
| Introductory Biotechnology | June 16-20 | UNC - Wilmington |
| Introductory Biotechnology | June 23-27 | Fayetteville State University |
| Using Biotechnology to Preserve Biodiversity | June 23-27 | Cherokee High School |
| Genomics and Bioinformatics: Teaching with Model Organisms | June 30 - July 3 | UNC - Chapel Hill |
| Let it Glow: Using GFP as a Basis for Understanding Protein Structure and Function | July 8-11 | Campbell University |
| Introductory Biotechnology | July 21-25 | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College |
| Introductory Biotechnology | July 28 - Aug. 1 | UNC - Asheville |
Note: Workshops are open only to North Carolina educators.
Workshop features:
- Participants learn about specific real-world applications of biotechnology in ways that can captivate students and shape career choices.
- Lesson plans are provided at all workshops.
- Participants are granted access to Biotechnology Center programs that provide free lab supplies and loan lab equipment and educational videos.
- Workshops address multiple objectives of the Standard Course of Study for high school biology.
- Teaching staff typically include one or more outstanding college or university faculty instructors and master high school teachers who are expert at implementing biotechnology in the classroom.
- Participants receive technology or regular renewal credits (CEUs). Graduate credit is not provided.
Registration Information
Please e-mail Amy Black with questions.