May 2002
From American Physiological Society
APS hosts the 4th annual retreat for Montana life science educators Native American science education the focus of the 'Explorations in Biomedicine' program May 2, 2002 -- Bethesda, Md. -- Bringing new and innovative online teaching practices into classrooms serving Native American students is the focus of the American Physiological Society's (APS) Explorations in Biomedicine retreat in Bozeman, Mt. APS will host 20 middle-, high-school and tribal college faculty members for a weekend of hands-on experiments, discussions on effective educational techniques, and networking with local colleagues and scientists from across the country. This year's retreat, held from May 3-5, 2002, will explore the opportunities to teach science using web-based science activities centered on student inquiry and project-oriented classroom learning.At the retreat, teachers will conduct a hands-on experiment using Project WISE, an online learning environment where users examine real-world evidence and analyze current scientific controversies. The WISE experiment will compare the contamination of organically vs. traditionally grown produce by E.coli. By bringing tools, such as Project WISE, to Native American classrooms, Explorations in Biomedicine introduces cutting-edge science to a people historically underserved in science education. Teachers will also explore new ways to motivate their students and enhance their teaching methods in a variety of sessions presented over the weekend. Participants will also receive print and online educational resources, applications for APS summer education programs and the opportunity to apply for travel fellowship to scientific meetings for teachers/faculty and students. Explorations in Biomedicine works intensively with Montana science faculty serving Native American students, a typically underrepresented group in science careers, to increase their interest and participation in biomedical research careers. Designed to improve science education for Native American students by building connections between science teachers, students and the research community, Explorations in Biomedicine has consistently proven to help teachers increase their understanding of scientific research methods and the importance of biomedical research. It also has proven effective in helping teachers incorporate best teaching practices -- those that promote both excellence and equity in science education -- as recommended by the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards. Explorations in Biomedicine is a collaborative program with the American Indian Research Opportunities Consortium (AIRO) and is supported by a grant from the NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program. Explorations in Biomedicine is one of several grant-supported education programs that APS administers. For more information about APS Education Programs, email: educatio@the-aps.org or visit the APS website at http://www.the-aps.org/education.htm. ####The American Physiological Society is a professional scientific membership organization devoted to fostering scientific research, education, and the dissemination of scientific information. The APS supports a variety of educational activities including programs and fellowships to encourage the development of young scientists at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a particular focus on women and underrepresented minorities. APS also supports refresher courses and teaching awards promoting continued excellence in education at the professional level. Founded in 1887, the Society's membership includes more than 10,000 professionals in science and medicine. | |
