Mini-Courses

From Chopped to BioBits!: How to Use miniPCR Labs in the Classroom

Facilitators: Katy Martin, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teachers Joshua Modeste and Jessica Quenzer

THURSDAYS, FEB 16, MAR 2, MAR 9 MƒA & ONLINE  SCIENCE

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSIONS 1 AND 2 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA . SESSION 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

How might we support our students in learning about genetics, PCR, and cutting-edge space science? If you are looking for ways to supplement your genetics unit with hands-on, project-based learning, then join us as we explore two biotechnology kits from miniPCR and discuss how to utilize them in any biology classroom. In session one, we will use the newly launched Chopped! kit to explore how the CRISPR/Cas system is a programmable, specific, and powerful genome editing tool. In session two, we will use the BioBits cellfree protein expression kit and the p51 fluorescence viewer to demonstrate how the central dogma (transcription and translation) can be performed and visualized in vitro. In our final session, we will discuss how our students can conduct independent research related to the Genes in Space contest, a free competition in which students propose experiments that can be conducted on the ISS utilizing miniPCR equipment. This course is best suited for middle and high school life science teachers.

Katy Martin is the program lead for Genes in Space and serves as a member of miniPCR’s biology curriculum team.

Joshua Modeste is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce in Manhattan.

Jessica Quenzer is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

From Molecules to Ecosystems: Modeling the Cycling of Matter With HHMI Facilitators: Ann Brokaw and Missy Holzer

THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 9 ONLINE  SCIENCE

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE.

To understand the cycling of matter in an ecosystem, students must develop knowledge of temporal, spatial, and biological scales. Join us in this mini-course as we investigate free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students connect energy flow and cycling of matter in molecular, ecological, and geological contexts. In session one, teachers will explore biogeochemical cycles at varying scales, emphasizing the carbon cycle, and making connections to photosynthesis through model building and system disruption. In session two, we’ll zoom out to the ecosystem scale, exploring the role of these cycles in regulating ecosystem health and by modeling the impacts of limiting nutrients.

We will also demonstrate how to integrate the three dimensions of NGSS—core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts— to enhance student understanding of fundamental molecular and ecological concepts. Throughout, teachers will have time to discuss how to apply the content and resources to their classrooms. This course is best suited for introductory and advanced high school life and environmental science teachers. Middle school science teachers, particularly those teaching Living Environment, are also welcome.

Ann Brokaw has more than 25 years of experience teaching biology at Rocky River High School, a public school outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She teaches Advanced Placement Biology, College Credit Plus Biology, and sophomore-level biology. She is passionate about biology and science education and continually seeks ways to develop her classroom practice and content knowledge. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, good food, and time with friends, her partner, and four-legged fur babies.

Missy Holzer taught Earth, space, and environmental science classes and dual-credit physical geography for more than 30 years in New Jersey. Currently, she is a science standards specialist and a college instructor. What she loves about teaching is connecting her students to their natural world and challenging them to think differently about the place they call home. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking.

From

Research to Reality: Investigating Myths in Educational Psychology

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Matt Pastore and MƒA Early Career Teacher Juanita Martin

TUESDAYS, MAR 28, APR 4, APR 18

ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Have you ever wondered what research really says about learning styles, praise, and inquiry-based instruction? Then join us in this mini-course as we explore educational psychology and discuss empirical research that may challenge our traditionally held views of assessment, learning, and inquiry. In each session we will focus on one topic, review the latest research, and consider how we might connect it with our teaching practice. By the end of this series, we will have a curated list of common myths and controversies in education, as well as a resource bank of podcasts, readings, and videos. This course is ideal for any teacher interested in deepening their understanding of educational research and its practical applications.

Matt Pastore is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.

Juanita Martin is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at The Math & Science Exploratory School in Brooklyn.

Game-Based Learning: An Introduction

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Jenna Denino and Kate Litman

TUESDAYS, APR 18, APR 25, MAY 2

MƒA

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Do you want to energize your classroom? Do you think kids learn best through play? Do you want to explore the benefits of game-based learning while learning how to design games for your content area? Look no further! In this mini-course, teachers will explore the games Spot It! (a.k.a. Dobble) and Codenames to unpack each game’s core mechanics and components.