The Biophotonics Research Academies are designed to give teachers experience promoting and conducting research by generating and harnessing light (photons) to image, detect, and manipulate biological materials. Biophotonics is a division of biotechnology that studies molecular mechanisms, function and structure in biology, and medicine to study tissue at the macro and micro level to detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Teachers participating in the biophotonics will see how scientists weave the many science disciplines--physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering--into the research process providing an excellent avenue for introducing students to the truly interdisciplinary nature of much of scientific research. Activities include: exploration of light/matter interactions, microscopy, and spectrophotometry. Participating teachers become part of the CBST teacher network and have access to a variety of classroom resources to support classroom integration of biophtonics-related curriculum.

Cost

There is no charge for Levels I, II, & III. Teachers are expected to provide their own lodging, food, and transportation as needed.

The Level IV research experience provides a $3000 stipend pending available funding.

• Level I
  

Dates: June 23, 24, 25, 2010
Duration: 3 days
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Teachers are introduced to the exciting field of biophotonics through hands-on investigation of light/matter interactions, microscopy, and spectroscopy; scientists' presentations of research applications; and a tour of CBST's state-of-the art research facilities.

• Level II

Dates: June 28, 29, 30; July 1, 2, 2010
Duration: 5 days
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Teachers explore biophotonics in more depth with extended investigations and scientist interactions. Teachers also have time to develop biophotonics-based lessons for their own classrooms and share them with other teacher participants. 

Note: Teachers who complete Levels I and II may check out materials and equipment from CBST for use in their classrooms.

• Level III

Dates: June 16,17, 18, 21, 22, 2010
Duration: 5 days
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Teachers prepare for the Level IV research experience with interactive seminars and activities that include safety training, reading scientific literature, scientific writing, research design, and basic laboratory techniques.

• Level IV

Dates: June 2010 (flexible start date; must have completed Level III)
Duration: 6 weeks, with possible extension to 8 weeks
Time: Arranged with research laboratory

Teachers have a mentored research experience in a CBST affiliated research laboratory. Teachers use the research experience as the basis for developing classroom applications and present their research and applications to colleagues.

Registration

Register for the 2010 Biophotonics Teacher Research Academies at http://apply.cbst.ucdavis.edu

For more information contact:
Jodie Galosy; Assistant Director, Teacher Professional
Development and Evaluation
jagalosy@ucdavis.edu

CURRICULUM RESOURCES

• Curriculum Outline.

• An outline of the topics/concepts and subtopics taught in the program.

• Student-Designed Investigation

• This is a handout for students that outlines procedures for designing an investigation.

• Sample Lesson: "Vital Signs"

• A typical lesson using biophotonics technologies to study aspects of human physiology.

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