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The University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center's mission is to help people understand how genetics affects their lives and society. To this end, our programs focus on genetics, biotechnology and bioethics, and include the following:
1) An extensive science education website at http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu. Materials include online activities and information, "Print-and-Go" classroom activities, teaching guides and "The 5-Prime Times" newsletter. Many of the online materials include animations and interactive components. HHMI-funded curricula address basic genetics topics and can be found in "The Basics and Beyond", "Genetic Disorder Corner", "DO Try This At Home" and "Heredity Activities for the Elementary Level."
2) Professional development courses and workshops for teachers. Programs for Utah teachers include a summer "Heredity and Genetics" course for secondary teachers and "Inherited Traits" workshops for fifth grade teachers. All programs directly address science standards, update teachers' knowledge, and provide extensive experience with learning techniques, hands-on activities, and assessments teachers can use with their students. A genetics kit loan program provides materials for teachers to implement activities in their classrooms. Workshops at state, regional and national science education meetings train teachers in using curricula developed by the Learning Center.
3) Science enrichment and careers programs for students in grades 5-14. Year-long and multi-day programs presented in collaboration with other University of Utah Health Sciences Center departments introduce students to careers in genetics via hands-on activities. Tours of the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics provide an overview of current research and the opportunity to tour a lab with a scientist. Classes for fifth graders, presented in collaboration with the Utah Museum of Natural History, engage students in hands-on activities exploring inherited traits.
4) Post-doctoral fellowships. These two-year fellowships are designed for research scientists who wish to move into a career in science education. Fellows participate in all of the Learning Center's programs and engage in professional development (including coursework and attending professional meetings) designed to address their specific interests.
The Genetic Science Learning Center is a collaboration among the University of Utah Department of Human Genetics and School of Medicine, and the Utah Museum of Natural History.
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