Using MIT DNA/RNA/protein/tRNA models, educators who teach the central dogma of molecular biology will now be able to use hands-on models to show how the molecules INTERACT, not just what molecules LOOK LIKE. Join us to build your own foundational knowledge and understanding, and to take your teaching to a new level! With the injection molded molecules, students can perform DNA replication, mRNA transcription, amino acid specificity with tRNAs, DNA mutation and repair, and more. With the protein and amino acid sets, students can perform translation and protein folding, learn about hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, demonstrate all four levels of protein structure, create models of enzymes, structural proteins, antibodies, and more. Spend three days with Dr. Amanda Mayer, a native Tucsonan who works at the MIT Edgerton Center, as she walks you through the range of firsthand experiences your students can have using these powerful models. Pending funding, 8th-12th grade educators who teach the central dogma of biology will walk away with a $2400 classroom set of the DNA/RNA/protein/tRNA models. We are still seeking sponsors for these classroom kits and will continue to fundraise after the institute is over if necessary. That said, registering for and taking this strand does not guarantee the participant a $2400 kit.
Audience: 8th Grade and High School Biology Teachers
(In order to maximize the impact of this workshop, only educators who work directly with students will be allowed to register and receive a kit. Please contact DaNel Hogan if you would like to attend but are in an administrative role.)
Facilitators: Dr. Amanda Mayer and Margaret Wilch
Cost: $75 includes materials, continental breakfast, and lunch.
This workshop is part of the STEMAZing Institute. The STEMAZing Project’s philosophy on teacher professional development is simple: It must be hands-on and engaging – putting the educators in the seat of the students to experience STEM lessons firsthand. It must provide the educators with the equipment and supplies they need to implement the lessons and activities in their classrooms the next day if they choose. It must be facilitated by master educators who have themselves been in the classroom.
Media Policy:
The Pima County School Superintendent's Office and its partners often take photographs and videos during events and workshops as they occur. By registering for this event and/or workshop you are granting permission to use these images to promote our programs in print, on the web, and on social media.
Payment Policy
Payments must be received five (5) business days prior to the start of the class. Payments can be in the form of a check, credit card, P-Card, or a school purchase order. Registrations within the five (5) day window must be paid immediately upon registering for the course.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing five (5) business days prior to the start of the class to receive a refund. Cancellations can be emailed to both: danel.hogan@schools.pima.gov AND AR@pima.gov. No refunds will be given for “no shows.” If courses are cancelled due to low enrollment, refunds will be issued to the individual or the school.
