AstronomyTeacher

"Living in the Microbial World"
an intensive hands-on workshop for middle and high school teachers
Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA,
August 6 - 13, 2007

Microbes are the most numerous organisms on the planet, are found in almost
every environment and play central roles in biogeochemical cycles. The
diversity of bacteria, fungi, and protists and the roles of these
micro-organisms in shaping our environment are given only cursory mention in
elementary and secondary classrooms. Often bacteria are presented only as
"germs" or disease agents. The evolutionary, ecological, and economic
importance of microbes is not well known among the general public.

The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA is offering a hands-on
workshop for middle and high school teachers (grades 6-12) The workshop
emphasizes activities and experimental systems that can be used easily and
inexpensively in the classroom to teach basic biological principles.
Resident and visiting scientists from the Woods Hole community will present
teachers background information and current research developments on a
variety of topics related to the importance of microbes and microbial
processes in the biosphere. Participating teachers will spend time in the
laboratory engaging in hands-on activities and will also tour MBL
facilities. In the laboratory, there is also a focus on forming testable
questions and designing simple experimental systems for inquiry-based
investigation. Participants are allowed time to examine new curriculum
materials and share teaching experiences.

Support for the workshop is provided by the Pfizer Foundation and the NASA
Astrobiology Institute. Travel funds are not available, but room, board,
tuition and teaching materials are provided at no charge to the teacher. A
$50 registration fee is required.

Space is still available and the application deadline has been extended
until June 15th. For application materials visit
http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/teachers.html