Professional development workshops for teachers in grades K–12 are a cornerstone of NCABR's efforts to promote public understanding and support for bioscience research.
Since 1994, nearly 3,500 North Carolina K–12 teachers from 93 of the state's 100 counties have participated in our free Rx for Science Literacy series, which has given teachers valuable information, resources and training in a wide range of bioscience topics, including basic research, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine, energy balance and forensics.
There are two ways to register for an Rx for Science Literacy workshop:
Biological Bodyguards
This workshop is full
Monday, September 20, 2010 (at GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park)
Features DESTINY Bus Certification
Based on a curriculum that allows students to examine the vital role played by the body's immune system in fighting illness and preventing disease. Students assume the role of a medical lab technician and use a simulated viral extract to perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen hypothetical patients for HIV.
Brand Name Genes
This workshop is full
Friday, October 8, 2010 (at Duke University Medical Center, Durham)
Features DESTINY Bus Certification
Based on a curriculum that lets students play the roles of employees in a global biotech company to understand the connections between BRCA genes and breast cancer. Students learn about cancerous cells, medical pedigrees, ethics of genetic testing, enzyme technology and the steps of PCR. Features a two-part wet lab where students prepare a simulated PCR and perform gel electrophoresis.
The What, Where, How and Why of Health Science Research
This workshop is full
Monday, October 11, 2010 (at GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park)
An introductory workshop to biomedical research based on NCABR's comprehensive Rx for Science Literacy manual for K–12 edcuators. Provides an overview of the biomedical research process, particularly information about the care and use of animals. The manual is essential for anyone teaching a high school biomedical technology course.
Science on a Shoestring
Friday, November 5, 2010 (at East Carolina University, Greenville)
Focuses exclusively on creative ways to survive with limited resources in the classroom. Learn tips, tools and handy solutions for teaching the biggest science concepts on the smallest budgets. Be prepared to bring your own inexpensive pointers to share with fellow educators, too. Does not feature a free curriculum.
Cell Biology and Cancer
This workshop is full
Monday, February 28, 2011 (at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park)
Based on a curriculum that addresses the development and impact of cancer and the research that has guided public health policies and medical interventions that are helping prevent, treat and cure the disease. Also focuses on the relationship between biomedical research and the improvement of personal and public health.
Nanotechnology and the New North Carolina Teaching Standards
Thursday, March 10, 2011 (at University of North Carolina at Greensboro)
The new North Carolina teaching standards ask educators to facilitate global awareness and the development of economic, financial, health and civic literacy among K–12 students. This workshop uses nanotechnology as the context for a discussion of how to infuse those competencies into your teaching. Co-facilitated by the UNC–G School of Education and the UNC–G and North Carolina A&T State University Joint School for Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.
The Science of Energy Balance: Calorie Intake and Physical Activity
Friday, March 18, 2011 (at Duke University Medical Center, Durham)
Based on a curriculum that uses inquiry-based activities to provide a context within which nutrition concepts can be better understood. Demonstrates that achieving energy balance, which helps individuals maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle, is a long-term goal.
Think Before You Drink
Friday, April 29, 2011 (at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Based on a curriculum developed by the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at UNC–Chapel Hill that addresses the effects of alcohol on the developing brain and increases students' awareness of tragedies related to fetal alcohol exposure. Features information about careers in biomedical research and how research leads to discoveries of treatments for alcoholism.
Who
Workshops are for K–12 teachers and administrators at public, private and federal North Carolina schools. Preservice teachers actively pursuing degree in education also are welcome. You may attend as many workshops as you like within a given school year.
What
Workshops are held at NCABR member research facilities throughout North Carolina. At the workshops, participants tour laboratories, hear from scientists about their latest work and take home a free curriculum and bioscience education materials to use in the classroom.
Additional Incentives for Attending
- A free supplemental curriculum (unless otherwise noted) and bioscience education materials, such as posters, handouts and career information
- Free lunch
- Substitute teacher support as needed (up to $70)
- 1 unit of certification renewal credit for North Carolina-certified educators, unless otherwise noted (4 hours of additional work required)
Cost
Each workshop is free. There is no registration fee in 2010–11.
Time
Each workshop runs from 8 am to 4 pm.
Of participants in last year's Rx for Science Literacy workshop series...
- 96% said they would be very likely or extremely likely to recommend Rx for Science Literacy to their fellow educators.
- 99% said they would incorporate biomedical research into their classroom discussions as a result of attending an Rx for Science Literacy workshop.
- 96% rated the overall quality of Rx for Science Literacy as "very good" or "excellent."
- 95% rated the overall quality of the curricula provided at the workshops as "very good" or "excellent."
- 99% said they would like to attend another Rx for Science Literacy workshop.
NCABR periodically presents other events for K–12 teachers, such as one-day workshops on biomanufacturing careers.
These workshops use NCABR's Mapping Your Future: Careers in Biomanufacturing curriculum manual and are held at major biomanufacturing facilities in North Carolina. No such workshops currently are scheduled, but please check back in the future in case any are added.