Caltech_Exploratorium Teacher Institute in Life Sciences

Exploratorium, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Exploratorium, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) propose to develop the Caltech-Exploratorium Summer Teacher Institute in the Life Sciences (CESTI-LS) for middle and high school teachers, creating a model national program for integrating cutting-edge biological research in fields such as cellular biology, neurosciences, molecular and developmental biology, and genomics and bioinformatics into the middle and high school life sciences curriculum. CESTI-LS will strengthen teacher's knowledge of advanced life science research and develop new ways to integrate research into the classroom using inquiry-based, hands-on activities developed by the teachers themselves in concert with Exploratorium faculty, Caltech professors, and Caltech graduate students. Ultimately, CESTI-LS will strengthen student understanding of research in the life sciences and biomedical fields, and deepen the public's appreciation of the implications of that research for health and everyday life. The 5-year program will be developed and implemented in 2 phases. Phase I (2 years) will be devoted to formulating and testing the CESTI-LS professional development curriculum and prototype classroom activities in San Mateo County. During the 3-year period of Phase II, the Institutes will be open to teachers nationally. Over the 5-year project period, CESTI-LS will support 75 middle and high school teachers in a sequential, in-depth 2-year program totaling some 190 hours of training. The curricula, activities, and teaching tools developed through the CESTI-LS will be incorporated into the Exploratorium's teaching programs, on-line teaching resources, and publications programs, and disseminated nationally.