GK-12: The Bio-Bus Pilot Project

Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc., Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

For the past year, Georgia State University has successfu 'Ily operated the Bio-Bus, a 3 0-foot mobile instructional laboratory that serves Georgia's K- 1 2 school systems. In partnership with six Georgia School systems (Bremen City, Carrollton City, Carroll County, Decatur City, Haralson County, and Paulding County), the University proposes to inaugurate the GKI2 Bio-Bus Pilot Project, an extension of the main Bio-Bus program that provides additional preparation and reinforcement learning experiences not currently available to Bio-Bus participants. For the Pilot Project, science graduate students and advanced undergraduates chosen as GK12 Fellows will present a selection of learning modules to novice learners in their partner districts that incorporate scientific inquiry, hands-on investigation, and student-directed learning. Though centered around a biological theme, each learning module will take a multidisciplinary approach, presenting fundamental physical, chemical and geological concepts in a biological context. Summer workshops in biotechnology will be provided for in-service teachers and their GKI2 Fellow partners. Teachers who complete the summer workshop will qualify for the Bio-Bus Lending Lab,. which provides free equipment and supplies for a week's worth of biotechnology experiments during the school year. 0086392