Professional development for teachers
WORKSHOPS
Host our team for a hands-on Genes in Space workshop
Genes in Space hands-on workshops enable middle and high school teachers to bring the cutting edge of biology and space exploration into their classrooms. Engage your students with this unique science competition by challenging them to design authentic biology experiments that can have real outcomes in space exploration. We provide free lesson plans, worksheets, educational videos and even the opportunity to obtain biotechnology equipment loans. Your students provide the ideas and passion to drive science forward!
Workshop participants will immerse themselves in real-world uses of biotechnology in space science, agriculture, forensics and medicine, and develop skills to implement biotechnology in their classrooms. Participants will gain hands-on experience with fundamental techniques including PCR and gel electrophoresis using the miniPCR DNA Discovery System, an innovative biotechnology teaching toolkit ideal for classrooms and the International Space Station. By participating in this workshop you will also be trained to obtain free loans of miniPCR Lab in a Box equipment, reagents, and lesson plans.
Genes in Space hands-on workshops are free to the host institution. Contact our team to request a professional development workshop hosted by your educational institution.
Sample in-person workshop agenda
Introduction to Genes in Space and biotechnology (~2 hours)
Participants will be introduced to the Genes in Space contest and learn how to engage students in a classroom activity. Participants will also learn how miniPCR’s innovative biotechnology toolkit has been utilized in classrooms, on the International Space Station, and beyond.
Hands-on biotechnology activity (~3 hours)
Participants will use biotechnology to identify the source of foodborne illness aboard the International Space Station (detailed materials available here). Participants will get hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, restriction enzyme digest, and gel electrophoresis.
