Partnering with Teachers to Inspire the Future
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Dr. Lamb gives North Alabama teachers some valuable tips on lab techniques. These teachers will provide program feedback when they complete this year’s pilot version of the genetics module |
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Dr. Neil Lamb, left, performs a strawberry DNA extraction with Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, district member of the Alabama State Board of Education and Steve Ricks, AMSTI state coordinator. |
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"Biotechnology is changing the world in which we live and will play an even greater role in the future. It is imperative that our students have a detailed understanding of basic genetics and the opportunities that applied research in this field can provide. The Alabama Department of Education is pleased to partner with the HudsonAlpha Institute to develop activities for the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). These activities will allow students to better understand the complexities of genetics and the way that advancements in this field can impact their lives. We are fortunate to have the HudsonAlpha Institute, a world leader in biotechnology, working hand-in-hand with AMSTI, to create activities that will help prepare our students for competing in a global work force.”
Steve Ricks
AMSTI state coordinator
Alabama Department of Education
HudsonAlpha, by working with state education officials and teachers, aims to prompt “Eureka!” moments well beyond the lab benches at the institute facility located on the CRP Biotech Campus. Scientists and education leaders at the institute plan to use the excitement of the Human Genome Project, cutting edge technologies, and discoveries made right here in Huntsville to inspire youth from across Alabama to become part of the next generation of researchers and scientists. By reaching out to Alabama educators, institute staff effectively and efficiently touch thousands of students.
Just before the new school year began, Dr. Neil Lamb, education and outreach director for HudsonAlpha, and seventh-grade science teacher Becky McCoy from Stevenson Middle School, created and presented a training session for leaders from the Alabama Department of Education, and a group primarily comprised of North Alabama teachers who will pilot a seventh-grade genetics module through the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). The module incorporates hands-on lab techniques and state curriculum requirements to give students a deeper understanding of what genetics entails. Teachers and students agree it’s a combination that makes science meaningful and fun.
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HudsonAlpha Education Outreach Goals
- Educate the students, teachers and citizens of Alabama about the opportunities afforded by biotechnology
- Inform Alabama’s educators to the potential of biotechnology to provide challenging and rewarding job opportunities
- Assist teachers with biotechnology training, curricula and teaching materials
- Inspire Alabama students through summer biotech camps and distance learning programs
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