Biotech Teacher Training

STEM EduCasts:

May 1-August 1, 2008

These EduCasts are designed to enhance teachers’ awareness and knowledge of space-related topics and enable them to return to the classroom well-equipped to teach these topics to their students. There are three EduCasts available through the AWIN grant, all of which are available online so that teachers are able to complete the session at a time and place of their choosing. Three additional EduCasts are available through the TWC AWIN Grant. Each EduCast presentation is about 40 minutes in length. After viewing an EduCast and creating an accompanying classroom lesson plan, the participant is eligible to receive 8 hours of Professional Development/Continuing Education credit units through San Jacinto College.

“BioReactor”

• Explanation of what a bioreactor is and how it works
• The benefits of using a bioreactor system
• Examination of how to use a bioreactor in the classroom
• Demonstration: How the bioreactor works
• Demonstration of how to conduct a classroom activity

“BioTech Careers”

• Exploration of ‘what’ is biotechnology
• Examine the disciplines of biotechnology in research and industry
• Academic and career paths in biotechnology
• View video clips relating to careers and future opportunities from biotechnology professionals and experts

“Human Physiology in Space”

• Vestibular System, Cardiovascular System, Muscular Skeletal System

• Discussion and overview of these systems and how they help us on Earth
• Discuss key changes to each system brought on by the freefall environment
• Demonstrations

For more information about these EduCasts, please contact Ellen Bay by email at ellen.a.bay@nasa.gov or by phone at 281-483-1146.

To enroll as a participant in the STEM EduCasts, please fill out and send the registration form to:

Ellen Bay
Aerospace Academy
2101 Nasa Parkway
Building 226
MC: AES
Houston, TX 77058

Fax: (281) 483-0435