Curriculum Development Project
The Curriculum Development Workshop in Plant Biology is a one-week intensive professional development opportunity for 7-12th grade science teachers interested in enhancing their content knowledge and classroom curricula around recent advances in plant biology, science teaching and the National Science Education Standards. Workshop topics are especially relevant to agriculture, life science, biology, chemistry and environmental science teachers interested in implementing scientific inquiry into their classrooms.
The summer workshop consists of hands-on laboratory investigations designed for the classroom, lectures, seminars and resources on current topics in plant biology and science education. Participating teachers begin ongoing collaborations with scientists, graduate students, science educators and other teachers to develop standards-based curricula that help students understand essential life science concepts using plants as model and relevant organisms. Tours of the Boyce Thompson Institute research facilities and greenhouse are included.
What do teachers gain by participating in this program?
Important Information
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Bioenergy and Bioproducts Education Programs (BBEP) Master Teacher Workshop
BBEP provides teachers with lesson plans, classroom activities and equipment to incorporate sustainable bioenergy and bioproduct concepts into existing science curricula. During a one-week training program at BTI, BBEP teachers learn about the biomass to bioenergy and bioproducts pipeline and how to prepare students for the emerging bioeconomy. Classroom materials and school year follow-up support is provided.
When and Where?
July 15th – July 19th 2013 at Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
BBEP curricula
BBEP curricula connect the latest in green research and innovations with standards-based classroom learning to build science, technology, math, engineering, and inquiry skills.
| Bioenergy | Bioproducts |
|---|---|
| Cellulose vs. Starch for Ethanol Production | Building a Bioeconomy |
| Woody Biomass Development, Brachy, Switchgrass, Willow | Soy based Lubricants |
| Biodiesel, Algae, Oil Seeds, Used Cooking Oil | Corn Starch Plastic Alternatives |
| Biogas, Anerobic Digestion, Urban Waste | Russian Dandelion Rubber |
| Sustainable Agriculture | Natural Fibers |
During the one week workshop:
- Attend seminars and engage in open discussion with scientists to become familiar with bioenergy and bioproduct research.
- Receive training on labs and activities developed by BBEP scientists and educators.
- Visit greenhouses and research sites to see authentic bioenergy and bioproducts research projects in action.
- Take home materials to bring the BBEP curricula to your classroom.
- Housing and lunch will be provided, along with a small stipend upon completion of the BBEP project.
Follow up support after the workshop:
- A BBEP educator provides year-round support as you incorporate bioenergy and bioproduct activities into your curricula.
- A classroom visit from a BBEP educator can be scheduled during the school year to further support a selected activity.
- Return to BTI at the end of the following school year and present how the BBEP activities were integrated into your class.
For More Information and to Apply:
Pre-service and in-service teachers (grades 6-16) and extension educators may apply. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible.
Complete the online application
USDA/NIFA supports this network of researchers and educators from The Boyce Thompson Institute, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State University, Pace Energy and Climate Center, and The Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center, to bring real-world bioenergy and bioproduct research to students.
Please join us, contact pgrp-outreach@cornell.edu
