Purpose, Goals and Objectives

Purpose

Equip Alabama secondary school educators to more effectively teach genetics.

Goals

1. Update the genetics content knowledge of educators.
2. Help secondary school educators describe and identify common student misconceptions in genetics, genomics and biotechnology, and identify approaches to overcome them.
3. Distribute a tool kit of genetics-related materials.
4. Promote the use of hands-on genetics activities.

Objectives

1. Construct a conceptual pathway for genetics, genomics and biotechnology useful to secondary school biology educators that incorporates all relevant COS objectives.
2. Model appropriate connections between genetics, genomics and biotechnology concepts and real-world applications.
3. Provide educators the opportunity to experience at least four scientific talks by biotechnology researchers or industry executives.
4. Organize tours of at least three facilities conducting biotechnology related work.
5. Conduct at least five hands-on activities that reinforce genetics, genomics and biotechnology content useful at the high school level.
6. Reduce content knowledge gaps in secondary biology educators via active lectures, laboratory experiences and discussions.
7. Enroll each participant as a member of NABT and ASTA for one year.
8. Overview misconception theory and provide evidence for common student misconceptions in genetics, genomics and biotechnology.
9. Demonstrate strategies to replace student misconceptions tied to COS objectives.
10. Reduce the misconceptions among teachers related to genetics, genomics and biotechnology.
11. Increase the number of secondary school educators who access and use ASIM modules in genetics, genomics and biotechnology Engage educators in the theory and practice of learning by doing.