BioNano RET - A Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program

Self-assembly
Making Self Assembly Models AFM Lego model
Lego AFM Model

BioNano 2006 RET Group
BioNano RET 2006

Sponsored jointly by GEMSEC and the UW's Center for Nanotechnology (CNT), supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, BioNano 2006 & 2007 offered high school teachers an engaging, in-depth, research experience in cutting edge, interdisciplinary science.

Working in small teams along side GEMSEC and CNT faculty, BioNano 2006 & 2007 teacher participants have collaborated to develop inquiry-based learning classroom activities that will engage and excite high school students. In addition, they have:

Learned about biomimetic nanoscale science and technology using current laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and approaches
Explored a recently-developed high school classroom lesson in this field
Discovered career opportunities to share with students

The BioNano 2008 experience, offered as a two-week session or four-week session, will include the following components:

Seminars, lectures, and laboratory tours from a range of bionanotechnology researchers
Review of key components of inquiry-based teaching materials
Readings in basic nanotechnology concepts, methods, and applications
Collegial development of hands-on bionanotechnology learning modules that incorporate best educational practices

As well as taking their own team's lesson back to their classrooms, participants will receive a notebook containing the lessons and materials developed by the other teams.

Each participant has received a stipend upon completion of the BioNano 2008 RET. In addition, a supplies budget will be available to develop teaching modules. Clock hours also will be provided.

For further information about this program, please contact:
Dr. Ethan Allen, ethana@u.washington.edu or 206-616-9760