EXCITING NSF SPONSORED IN-SERVICE EDUCATION WORKSHOP

PLANT GENOMICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

 

·        GOAL: To train high school and middle school teachers on the use of genomics and biotechnology in plant improvement for agriculture and forestry.  These rapidly developing areas of science supplement and complement more traditional approaches to breeding and management; they will play an increasingly important role in how we conserve and manage our natural resources. 

 

·        WHEN & WHERE: The workshop will be held June 15 – 21 at Clemson University in the South Carolina DNA Learning Center.

 

·        NO COST TO YOU:  The financial support for travel, housing and the cost of the workshop is completely covered by a grant from the National Science Foundation.  In addition to covering the cost of the workshop a stipend will be given

 

·        INSTRUCTORS: Expert instructors and leading research experts in plant genomics and biotechnology from the University of Florida, Clemson, and U. California at Davis will teach the workshop.

 

·        WHAT YOU WILL TAKE AWAY: Knowledge of the cutting edge tools and approaches being used to understand fundamental plant biology and improve plants for agriculture and forestry.  Lesson plans for your classrooms that address State of Florida Science Standards (SC.F.1.4, SC.F.2.4, SC.G.1.4, SC.G.2.4, SC.H.3.4,…) 

 

·        LOGISTICS: Transportation to and from the workshop from the University of Florida, Gainesville campus, room, board, study materials and a stipend will be provided to all participants. 

 

·        IN-SERVICE TRAINING CREDIT: > 40 hours will be available from your home institution

 

·        REGISTRATION: DEADLINE – April 30, 2008

 

·        For more information and registration: Contact Gary Peter, gfpeter@ufl.edu, 352 846-0896

 

 

 

DETAILED SCHEDULE

Day 1: An introduction to genetics, tree improvement and gene conservation; the role genomics and biotechnology in forestry and the technical foundations of genomics.

Day 2: Wet lab exercises: DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, forensics

Day 3: Comparative genomics, Expression analysis, Mapping and Sequencing

Days 4 – 5: Bioinformatics and computer lab exercises

One or more evenings will offer discussion on topics such as Genetically Modified Organisms and lesson plan development