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Exploring the Tree of Life:
Teaching Genomics, Medicine and Evolution
The Leadership Program for Teachers (LPT) of The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey is pleased to invite
applications to the 2003 Summer Institute in Biology. The institute, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, will take place on the campus of The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The
school offers some excellent, modern science facilities on a spacious, beautiful campus
Dates for the Biology Institute: July 6 - August 2, 2003
This year’s institute will focus on genomics,
medicine and evolution and will approach inquiry-based science through a combination of methods such as hands-on training in DNA sequencing and research; gene therapy; ethical decision-making; and the role of
technology in this area of science. The institute will help teachers stay abreast of cutting edge developments in biology and develop new approaches to teaching. To assist teachers in meeting these twin goals we are
urging applicants to apply in teams of two (or more). Although single applications will be permitted, we ask that you identify two or more colleagues with whom you intend to share your institute experience in
your home school or district.
The Summer Institute in Biology is especially designed to provide teachers with a solid grounding in laboratory research techniques, effective inquiry approaches for teaching
scientific concepts, networking, and scientific resources. Participants will develop the necessary tools to carry out both pedagogical and scientific explorations through:
- large-group investigations of genome topics along with hands-on training;
- small-group mentoring with researchers, professors, graduate students, and notable scientists from major universities and from non-traditional
educational centers (museums, science centers, etc.);
- field explorations (the American Museum of Natural History and other prominent east-coast scientific institutions);
- research projects emphasizing inquiry;
- lectures from leading people in the field; and
- the construction of conceptual models.
- Participants will design their own and/or a collaborative web page (with technical instruction for novices).
Who Should Apply:
Think of the Woodrow Wilson COntent-driven Reform in Education, (CORE), 2003 experience as an intellectual summer camp for science educators, designed to expand the limits of personal scholarship and enhance teaching. The institute is designed for those who teach biology and life sciences in grades six through twelve in public and private schools in the United States and Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools. We seek participants from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, geographical areas and school profiles, those at the beginning of their teaching careers and those who have years of experience. Most importantly, applicants must be willing to participate in inquiry learning and engage in the development of their own set of teaching tools through skills and information acquired in small-group research. Support mechanisms will be available at the Institute for teachers working on incorporating their new findings into their home districts. All applicants must be assured of a science teaching position in 2003-2004.
Leadership and Outreach:
Participants are strongly encouraged to facilitate a 40-hour Teacher OutReaCH, (TORCH), workshop for a maximum of 25 participants within two years after the completion of institute participation. Additional support and funds are provided for such endeavors. TORCH projects must reflect the CORE experience with creativity and integrity. Additionally, teachers will be expected to use and share what they have learned over the summer. Therefore, we will ask that each applicant describe briefly a classroom and or curriculum improvement project in their application that includes team members and collaborators in the local district.
Accommodations:
Biology Institute participants are housed in comfortable student dorms. Bathrooms are “down the hall” and are shared by 6-8 people. Cafeteria meals (except for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch) are provided.
Travel:
Participants must cover the cost of travel to and from Newark Airport or, in the case of people driving, to the Lawrenceville campus. Ground transportation will be arranged between Newark Airport and the campus by LPT.
Stipend: $1000
Selection Criteria include:
demonstrated commitment to student learning
the desire to improve one’s teaching
the ability to work with diverse groups
leadership potential
willingness to meet the challenge of scientific inquiry
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