Science Programs 
Graduate Credit: SCI 3613
PDPs/CEUs: SCI 5913
Participants: Science Teachers, grades 6–12
Dates/Times: July 7 - 11, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant
Cost/Credits: 68 PDPs/6.8 CEUs, $500; 4 q.h. graduate credits, $820
New England is home to three main coastal ecosystems that play important roles ecologically, commercially and recreationally to the residents of the region. Students in Grades 6-12 in Massachusetts can benefit from exposure to the ecological and research-based activity in these ecosystems as they grow into participating citizens.
Massachusetts middle school teachers seeking to enhance their local ecology knowledge in order to share with their students or those wanting to explore new science lessons are encouraged to take this course. The one-week course focuses on the following New England Coastal habitats, as well as current research in each:
- Rocky Intertidal Zone
- Sandy beach
- Salt Marsh
Approximately one day will be dedicated toward each ecosystem, divided between guest lectures from current researchers, field time and group discussions. Authentic research models will be introduced and implemented by participants. Daily time, as well as the final day of the course, will be dedicated toward discussions and workshops on translating field research into practical, inquiry-based curriculum to be used in and out of the classroom.
The course takes place at the Northeastern University's Marine Science Center (MSC), in Nahant, MA. The MSC is located on pristine rocky coastline, with easy access to each coastal habitat.
Instructor: Tracy Hajduk is the Outreach Program Coordinator for the Northeastern University Marine Science Center and has been working as marine educator at the New England Aquarium and Northeastern's Marine Science Center for the last 6 years.
Exploring Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and Protein Purification View Syllabus>>
Graduate Credit: BIO 3604
PDPs/CEUs: BIO 5904
Participants: Science Teachers, grades 9–12
Dates/Times: August 4 - 8, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Northeastern University, Boston Campus
Cost/Credits: 68 PDPs/6.8 CEUs, $500; 4 q.h. graduate credits, $820
Lab fee: $45
The field of molecular biology has bloomed in the last 20 years. We are in a new era of knowledge in genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology, to name a few. In this laboratory course we will develop an understanding of the most powerful and widely used techniques in Molecular Biology. We will understand the basis and applications of techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic engineering, including protein purification. The classes will also have a lecture component to gain insights into the advantages and limitations of these technologies.
Participants will:
- Learn the basis of DNA purification by isolating and preparing genomic DNA from bacteria and from ourselves.
- Use the isolated genomic DNA to enrich a gene of interest for further cloning.
- Use our own DNA to test for the presence or absence of known repetitive sequences (a genetic marker).
- We will understand the basic concepts in protein purification by purifying a gene product of interest by affinity chromatography.
The instructor will provide the students with copies of the lectures in power point and all of the lab materials. This course is within the framework of Life Sciences/Biotechnology of the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Instructor: Veronica Godoy, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at NU. Her research is centered on the understanding of a new class of DNA polymerases.
Graduate Credit: SCI 3608
PDPs/CEUs: SCI 5908
Participants: Science Teachers, grades 9–12
Dates/Times: July 21 - 25, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Northeastern University, Boston Campus
Cost/Credit: 68 PDPs/6.8 CEUs, $500; 4 q.h. graduate credits, $820
Lab fee: $35
Participants in this course will experience a series of high school level laboratories which will be useful in mastering the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology. These labs, several of which include live animals as model systems, will increase students’ interest in scientific inquiry by providing hands-on activities in animal behavior (ethology), ecology and genetics. Through the overarching theme of evolutionary theory, participants will become familiarized with the concepts of:
- Misconceptions of Evolutionary Theory
- Evolution as science
- Natural selection, fitness and adaptation
- Microevolution, macroevolution
- Innate vs. learned behavior
- Aggression, territoriality and sexual selection
- Sociobiology and animal communication
- Abiotic and biotic factors as selection pressures
This laboratory course will attempt to clarify what is Evolution by Natural Selection and what are the main misconceptions about this theory. We will attempt to “demystify evolution” by laboratory activities and respectful dialogue.
A lab manual and an instructor’s resource manual are the required text. A vocabulary list, photocopies of specific readings and the accompanying questionnaires, important websites and a CD with power point lectures to use as a reference will also be available. This course aligns with the Science Curriculum Framework and science learning standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Instructor: Becky Rosengaus is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Northeastern University. She works in the area of Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. She is a 2006 recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
The Nature of Science Inquiry
Graduate Credit: SCI 3609
PDPs/CEUs: SCI 5909
Participants: Science Teachers, grades 5–12
Dates/Times: July 28 - August 1, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Northeastern University, Boston Campus
Cost/Credit: 68 PDPs/6.8 CEUs, $500; 4 q.h. graduate credits, $820
Lab fee: $35
Teachers who have a solid foundation in science inquiry as content and use inquiry teaching methods are better equipped to improve student achievement. Inquiry teaching methods bolster students’ reasoning abilities, synthesis/analysis/evaluation skills, and ability to understand how science is done.
The course is designed to increase participants’ knowledge of inquiry as content and teaching methodology as described in the National Science Education Standards. Participants will read and discuss the most recent studies on inquiry as applied in K–12 settings. The course will challenge your own conceptions of inquiry and explore how to integrate and apply inquiry into the classroom. Participants will consider their work from previous science courses while constructing lessons that are learner-centered. Handouts will be made available to participants for use in their classrooms.
Instructor: Mark Salata is the founder of Mining Gems (TM) - www.mininggems.org -and science education consultant who has been hired by the Ministry of Education and National Institute of Education in Singapore, and has worked with teachers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
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