Biotechnology
The Biotechnology Research Academy prepares teachers to conduct research with their students. A $20.00 fee is required for each workshop registration. The registration fee provides hospitality for workshop participants.
Level-I provides an overview of the field of biotechnology with instruction on basic biotechnology tools. These tools include:
- DNA extraction
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Restriction Digest
- DNA Fingerprinting
- Bacterial Transformation
- Protein Chromatography
- Intro to Bioinformatics
Level-II This workshop provides teachers with skills and knowledge to meet the California Content Standards for evolution, genetics and immunology through inquiry, investigation and experimentation. The instruction includes:
- PCR
- DNA sequencing
- Protein analysis using Western Blotting
- Bioinformatics
Level-III This workshop prepares teachers to work as members of a research team. Participants develop their understanding of:
- The nature of science
- Research strategies and methods
- Technical writing to communicate research findings
Level-IV Teachers participating in a mentored research internship contribute as a member of a research team. Each teacher receives a $4000 stipend when they complete an 8-week internship. At the completion of the summer research experience each teacher is expected to create and present a research poster at the LLNL Summer Research Symposium. They are required to create a lesson plan that will extend their research experience into the classroom.
Level-V This workshop keeps the graduates of TRA engaged with LLNL to keep their content skills up-to-date. They will attend a half-day workshop on Real-Time PCR at LLNL. A web-based seminar will provide reinforcement to the workshop instruction. The teachers will bring up to 5 students to LLNL for a workshop where they will teach their students with LLNL instructors available for support. This workshop requires a $10.00 registration fee. The registration fee is used to provide hospitality for the workshop. Prerequisite to participate is completion of Level II, or equivalent. Instructors will determine equivalency of applicants. (Flyer)