StarNet Summer Workshop Description
July 8 - 14, 2008

UW Department of Genome Sciences Education Outreach will host a weeklong summer workshop to introduce teachers to our new curriculum, StarNet: Investigating the Effects of Genes and Environment on Smoking Behavior. Developed by a team of teachers, scientists, and the StarNet education staff, the new curriculum will involve high school students and teachers in doing authentic genetic research and considering related bioethical issues.

The Investigating Smoking Behavior curriculum places high school students in the role of scientists as they design and implement an investigation of the effects of genes and environment on smoking behavior. This is a novel and authentic research investigation that has never been undertaken before. Data gathered and analyzed by students may lead to new insights into the causes of nicotine addiction and influences on smoking behavior. We invite you to join us this summer in learning to use this new curriculum in your classrooms!

ELIGIBILITY
The curriculum presented in this workshop is most appropriate for high school students enrolled in a second year biology class (e.g. Advanced Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, etc.). It requires three weeks of classroom time. Teachers of introductory biology may also be able to use this curriculum if their students have completed the prerequisite topics: DNA and gene structure; transcription; translation; genetics; mutation. Community college instructors are also welcome to attend.

WHEN
July 14-18, 2008, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

WHERE
University of Washington, Seattle

PROGRAM
The workshop will cover the Investigating Smoking Behavior curriculum in depth, including laboratory activities and bioethics. Please see the Curriculum Description page for detailed information.

STIPEND, CREDITS, AND CLOCK HOURS
Teachers completing the workshop will receive a $350 stipend. 40 WSTA clock hours or 3 UW graduate credits are available at the teacher’s expense. Teachers must attend all five days and complete all homework assignments in order to receive stipend, clock hours, and credits.

OTHER BENEFITS

  • A course notebook containing the entire Investigating Smoking Behavior curriculum

  • The ability to borrow equipment kits containing the laboratory reagents and materials needed to carry out the lab component of the curriculum during the 2007-2008 school year

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
 Registration form must be received by May 2, 2008. No FAXed applications can be accepted. Download the registration form here.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Call Megan Brown or Maureen Munn at 206-616-4538 or send e-mail to mtbrown at u.washington.edu  (please substitute @ for "at").
 

For further information on the StarNet project, please contact  mmunn@u.washington.edu.

Department of Genome Sciences
Education Outreach, Box 355065
Foege Building, Rm S334
Seattle, WA 98195

Phone: (206) 616-4538
Fax: (206) 685-7301

This page was last updated 03/21/08.