|
Taking
Science Curriculum
to New Heights
In
January 1999, eight teachers took advantage of a 2-day workshop
that provides hands-on biotechnology experience and activities
that can be taken back to the classroom. In conjunction with this
inservice, a biotechnology kit has been developed for check out
to schools. Many of the items in the kit would be very costly
for schools to purchase individually. The kit is valued at approximately
$6,000. Participants in the workshop learn how to use the equipment
contained in this kit. Cooperative Extension in Saunders County
and the ESU #2 office each have a kit for checkout. Additional
kits can be checked out from the UNL Biology Department.
Science
teachers can help theirr students be on the forefront of this
expanding scientific technology. The word “Biotechnology” is becoming
more commonplace in today’s vocabulary. But how well do people
really understand it? Increased media attention has evolved with
the advent of cloning Dolly the lamb, hydroponically grown vegetables,
DNA crime solving, herbicide and pest resistant crops, and talk
of meeting the growing food needs of the world in the next century.
And biotechnology encompasses not only scientific issues, but
ethical issues, as well. Middle and high school students need
to be taught about biotechnology so that they can make informed
choices and understand the science fully.
The biotechnology focuses on gel electrophoresis and other new
electrophoresis activities. Labs include:
Dr.
George Veomett, Professor of Biological Sciences at the University
of Nebraska - Lincoln teaches the workshop in a lab setting with
the assistance of Bob Meduna, University of Nebraska Cooperative
Extension in Saunders County. The workshop is held at the University
of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC)
near Mead, Nebraska.
Scenes
from Wahoo Public
Schools
Utilizing the
Biotechnology
Footlocker
|
