4 minute read
Science News and Opportunities
SCIENCE NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES Biotechnology Courses at BTC Institute – Stipends Available
Looking to incorporate more biotechnology into your curriculum? The BTC Institute in Madison is offering a couple of weeklong summer courses to help you reach that goal! Both courses are offered for stipends and optional graduate education credit. See: https://www.btci.org/k-12programs/programs-for-teachers/ for details and registration.
Are you interested in incorporating biotechnology topics in your teaching? If your knowledge of biotechnology is limited or you want to brush up on basic biotechnology techniques, this is the course for you!
This one-week laboratory-based course is designed to introduce teachers to the fundamentals of biotechnology. Topics include: DNA structure and function, DNA extraction, micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bacterial transformation, bioethics, biofuels & biomanufacturing, stem cells, careers and training in biotechnology, and NASA & biotechnology.
In addition, there will be opportunities to develop your laboratory preparatory skills and collaborate with other teachers to integrate biotechnology into your curriculum. Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics July 11-15, 2022; 9:00am-4:00pm, lunch provided.
Have you mastered gel electrophoresis? Are you ready to take the next steps? This one-week laboratory-based course is designed for teachers to learn and practice advanced biotechnology techniques used in molecular biology. Topics include: gene expression, protein purification, immunodetection, genetic identity testing, epigenetics, genomic editing (CRISPR/Cas9), bioinformatics, DNA sequencing, NASA & biotechnology, biomanufacturing, careers and training in biotechnology
For both courses: Enrollment is limited to 16 participants, who may be eligible to receive a $500 stipend, see online registration form for details on how to apply. The deadline for application is June 17, 2022. Applications will be reviewed first comefirst served and, if not all awards are made June 17th the application process will remain open. In order to receive a stipend, teachers must submit a 2-3 page summary report to the BTC Institute during Academic Year 2022-2023 that documents how selected course content was implemented with students and colleagues.
GRADUATE EDUCATION CREDITS: will be an optional choice for both courses, paid for by the participant. LOCATION: BTC Institute, 5445 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. Discounted lodging available nearby. DETAILS & REGISTRATION: Please visit https://www.btci.org/ or contact Barbara Bielec, barbara.bielec@btci.org
Climate Change Online Resources
Teaching middle and high school students about climate change involves helping students make sense of data, draw connections between complex topics, listen to opposing viewpoints, and think critically about information. Participants in LEAF’s new Teaching About Climate Change: Online Resources for Middle and High School Educators course will delve into strategies and curriculum materials designed to help bring students to a deeper understanding of the topic. Participants will receive access to Project Learning Tree’s Carbon & Climate middle school e-unit, a digital copy of Project Learning Tree’s Southeastern Forests and Climate Change high school module, a physical copy of LEAF’s Wisconsin Forestry Lesson Guide at either the 7th-8th or 9th12th grade level, and a kit with classroom supplies. Participants have 45 days from registration to complete the module, which should take approximately 7 hours.
OnDemand, online, cost $50, Register here: go.asapconnected.com/?org=4921#EventID= 2074789.
Fire and Our Forests - 2022
Fire is a hot topic both worldwide and locally in Wisconsin. Did you know that the Wisconsin DNR has responded to on average more than 700 wildland fire calls each year since 2016!? In 2021, more than 1,000 fires burned over 2,500 acres. As people continue to move into forested areas, the potential for loss of property and lives increases. Yet, fire plays an important natural role in many forest ecosystems. Join LEAF for a Wildland Fire Education workshop where grades 6-12 educators will explore the history, socio-cultural issues, management, including prescribed burns and current status of wildland fire in Wisconsin and beyond. Participants will receive the LEAF’s Wisconsin K-12 Wildland Fire Lesson Guide, Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Education Activity Guide, and other useful classroom resources. Activities will also include a tour of Treehaven’s fire ecology research plots. Wednesday, March 16 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
Receive a FREE Sand-tank Groundwater Model for your School or Nature Center
We are now accepting applications to attend one of the 2022 Groundwater Model Workshops and receive a FREE Hands-on Groundwater Model to use with your students. This is a great way to guide student learning and meet NGSS standards! You will receive resources to teach lessons specific to Wisconsin geology and groundwater management concerns.
In addition to receiving a groundwater model (value $1100), there is money available to cover a substitute teacher if needed to attend. These one-day workshops run from 9AM to 3PM. Only 20 groundwater models are available, all applications received prior to the deadline will be considered. Workshop Dates (only need to attend one): Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 at the UWSP at Wausau Campus, Wausau from 9am-3pm Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 at the WGNHS Core Repository, Mt. Horeb from 9am-3pm Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 at the Menzel Pavilion at Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point - outdoor covered venue from 9am3pm
The APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 1, 2022! The application only takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Visit the website www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed/Pages/ GroundwaterModelWorkshop.aspx for more details.
