Professional Development Workshops

For Middle and High School Science Teachers of Life Science, Biology, AP Biology or Biotechnology 

Registration:

To register for a workshop please email Jan Chalupny, Biotechnology Outreach Manager, and include the following information:

  • Your desired workshop (s)
  • Your contact information (phone and email)
  • School you're affiliated with
  • Classes you're teaching

Upcoming Workshops:  2015-2016

"Easy as ABC: Applications of Biotechnology in the Classroom"

This is a three-part academic-year professional development workshop series.  These workshops are designed to be taken individually or in a series based on your needs and skills.  After teachers have participated in ABE Shoreline professional development workshops to receive training in the use of the ABE curriculum and associated lab activities, they may check out science "kits" that include the equipment, supplies and reagents needed to implement the curriculum in their class(es).  For example, after participating in the first workshop in the "Easy as ABC: Applications of Biotechnology in the Classroom" series, "Part A: An Understanding of DNA," teachers may check out kits for ABE Lab 1.1: How to Use a Micropipette, Lab 1.2: Gel Electrophoresis, cheek cell DNA extraction, and the suncatchers micropipetting activity.

Part A: An Understanding of DNA: Making the Invisible Visible

4:00-8:00 PM, Friday, December 4, 2015 and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, December 5, 2015 
This introductory workshop is designed for middle school life sciences teachers and high school biology teachers who are new to working with DNA in the classroom. Activities include an introduction to micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis (separating molecules based on size), DNA extraction from cheek cells (purifying DNA that you can see), genomic DNA purification from cheek cells (purifying DNA that you can use in an experiment) and using a genetic testing case study to explore the bioethical issues impacting medical decisions. Teachers will also learn how to use the freely-available Cn3D program to help students visualize a variety of macromolecules. No prior experience required. If you have taken other biotechnology workshops in the past or are comfortable teaching micropipetting and gel electrophoresis, you are welcome to take this workshop but you might find part B and C better suited to your knowledge base. Feel free to inquire through email.

Part B: Bringing PCR into the Biology Classroom

4:00-8:00 PM, Friday, April 1, 2016 and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, April 2, 2016 
This workshop is designed for high school biology, biotechnology, marine biology or chemistry teachers who have experience with micropipetting, DNA extraction and agarose gel electrophoresis and want opportunities to build on these skills while bringing authentic research experiences into their classrooms. This workshop introduces teachers to applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the “PTC tasting gene” as a model. Activities will include DNA purification, extensive background and experiences with PCR, restriction digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, and an introduction to some of the bioinformatics skills and programs used to compare DNA and protein sequences. Basic skills in micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis are required. Examples of proof of basic skills are:
    - Participation in this series' introductory workshop “Part A: A Understanding of DNA"
    - NWABR’s Bio-ITEST advanced bioinformatics summer workshop, "Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Research"
    - Affiliation or experience with the Science Education Partnership (SEP) through Fred Hutch
    - Participation in the Amgen Biotechnology Experience Summer Institute

Part C: Cloning DNA to Make Protein

4:00-8:00 PM, Friday, May 6, 2016 and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, May 7, 2016
For advanced middle or high school biology, biotechnology, marine biology or chemistry teachers who have experience with micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis (i.e., separating molecules by size). Teachers will learn how to clone DNA using enzymes, bacterial transformation, protein expression and purification using column chromatography. Teachers will also receive training in bioinformatics tools to compare and visualize protein sequences and structures.  Basic skills in micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis required. Examples of proof of basic skills are include those listed below “Part B” above.

The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) Summer Institute

Thursday-Saturday August 4-6, 2016.  9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Daily
This three-day workshop takes you through the entire Amgen Biotechnology Experience curriculum. You will learn from the student perspective how genetic engineering has made significant impacts on the medical field. From learning the basics in lab skills to DNA cloning, agarose gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, purification of the red fluorescent protein using columns chromatography, and use of bioinformatics programs to compare DNA and protein sequences, students will experience firsthand the biotechnology breakthroughs and Nobel prize winning techniques that have revolutionized modern science.  After this training, you will be certified to check out equipment and receive all of the supplies and reagents necessary to bring any of the ABE lab activities into your classes.  All equipment loans and lab supplies are provided to teachers free of charge.   This workshop and 21 clock hours are free of charge as well.