Contact: Merle Heidemann, College of Natural Science, (517) 432-2152 or heidema2@msu.edu; or Tom Oswald, University Relations, (517) 355-2281, oswald@msu.edu
8/10/2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. � Secondary teachers who want to improve their knowledge of genetics can do so at special weekend seminars this fall at Michigan State University.
Titled �Frontiers in Genetics,� the series of two-day forums will be taught by MSU professors who teach and conduct research in the field, as well as master teachers who will develop and demonstrate a series of activities designed to connect classroom curriculum to research.
�Genetics is an important part of the science curriculum in Michigan schools,� said Merle Heidemann, who is with the MSU College of Natural Science�s Division of Science and Math Education and the course organizer. �As advancements in the area continue, teachers need to update and adapt their school�s curriculum, making it more relevant and understandable for their students.�
�Frontiers in Genetics� is patterned after a weekend workshop series titled �Frontiers in Science,� a popular program also offered by the College of Natural Science�s Division of Science and Mathematics Education.
Secondary teachers taking part in the program are expected to participate in a two-hour session on a Friday night and a three-hour session Saturday morning. The �Frontiers in Science� sessions are somewhat informal, Heidemann said, but always informative.
�Many of the participating teachers have found the �retreat� atmosphere beneficial because it focuses on new science developments and provides a network of science colleagues with whom to discuss teaching strategies,� she said.
Among the MSU faculty teaching the course are David DeWitt, an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; Susan Conrad, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; and John Fyfe, associate professor of microbiology and molecular genetics.
Among the topics that will be covered: technological advances in genetics, cancer as a genetic disease and animal models of diseases.
The program gives participants the opportunity to earn additional credits required for continuing certification. It also is part of the master of science degree programs offered by the Division of Science and Mathematics Education.
The courses will be offered the weekends of Oct. 1-2, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 19-20.
For additional information, contact Heidemann at (517) 432-2152 or heidema2@msu.edu. Applications for the Fronters in Genetics can be obtained by contacting Linda Wolcott at wolcottl@msu.edu.
Applications are due by Sept. 10.