BioNano 2008 - A Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program

Sponsored jointly by GEMSEC and the UW's Center for Nanotechnology (CNT), supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, BioNano 2008 offers middle and high school teachers an engaging research experience in cutting edge, interdisciplinary science. This year GEMSEC will offer two sessions - a four week session (July 14 - August 8) and a two week session (July 28 - August 8).

Working in small teams along side GEMSEC and CNT faculty, BioNano 2008 teacher participants will collaborate to develop inquiry-based learning classroom activities that will engage and excite high school students. In addition, they will:

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

The BioNano 2008 experience 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 will receive 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.

Attendance for the entire session which you signed up for is required.

All application materials must be received by GEMSEC by May 1st.

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