Highlighting Science at the University of Rochester
This workshop series offers teachers information on research that occurs at the University of Rochester. Each 3-hour workshop will include presentations by University of Rochester scientists and hands-on laboratory experiences designed for use with students in the classroom. Teachers will be provided with classroom-ready instructional materials and resources that are aligned with New York State Math, Science and Technology standards. Workshop topics will include: HIV, vaccine development, cancer, stress response, the immune system, stem cells, genomics, nanotechnology, evolutionary genetics, and the use of DNA microarray technology.

Registration

Electrophoresis
Principles of electrophoresis, both DNA and protein, are discussed. Methods for performing quick and easy electrophoresis activities with students using simulated DNA will be demonstrated, as well as methods for visualizing real DNA bands. We will also discuss case studies, both scientific and pop culture, that could be used to engage students in the use of electrophoresis. Teachers who have attended this workshop to borrow electrophoresis equipment for use in their classroom.
Room Requirements: At least 2 electrical outlets. Access to a sink is preferable, but the sink does not have to be in the room in which the workshop is held.

Microscopy: Take A Closer Look...
Help your students become proficient microscopists using engaging activities. Understand the use of all the parts of a microscope and learn how microscopy is used in present day research. This session will also introduce teachers to "Scope on a Rope" (SOAR), a hand-held microscope with magnification up to 200x, developed by Louisiana State University. Teachers who have attended this workshop are eligible to borrow the SOAR for classroom use.
Room Requirements: 1 microscope per 2 teachers
Math and Biology
Biologists do math too! Learn how math is used in biological studies, engage in student-friendly activities that require math to solve biological problems, and discuss ways of incorporating math into your own biology classroom.
Room Requirements: At least 2 electrical outlets. Access to a sink is preferable, but the sink does not have to be in the room in which the workshop is held.
PowerPoint: Bringing Science to Life Through Animations
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words and ideas can you express in a movie? Use PowerPoint to its fullest potential by learning to create and present animations. Or challenge your students to create animations to express how they understand science around them.
Room Requirements: 1 computer per 2 teachers
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Would you like to do PCR with your students? If you have a PCR machine and you would like to walk through a commercially available kit with our staff, or if you are considering purchasing a PCR machine for your school and would like to demo a PCR machine, or if you would like to learn how to do PCR and borrow a PCR machine from the LSLC for classroom use, this workshop can be tailored to meet your needs. Thanks to a generous donation from Laboratory Products Sales Inc., a PCR machine is available for loan to schools whose teachers have attended an LSLC PCR workshop.
Room Requirements: At least 2 electrical outlets. Access to a sink is preferable. Please discuss with the LSLC staff what you would like to accomplish during the workshop at least 2 months in advance of your scheduled workshop date so that we can best meet your needs.

Probeware
Learn how to use dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and conductivity probes to assess water quality.  Teacher who have attended this workshop are eligible to borrow 10 sets of Vernier probes for use in their classroom.
Room Requirements: One electrical outlet per team learning to use the probes (Probes can be battery powered, but outlet power is much more reliable). Access to a sink is preferable.

Alternative Energy
Are you interested in teaching your students about alternative energy? We can show you a collection of short activities and demonstrations that get students involved in learning the chemistry behind hydrogen fuel and solar cells, as well as understanding how electrical energy is converted into physical motion.  Teacher who have attended this workshop are eligible to borrow 10 solar panels and one hydrogen fuel cell demonstration unit.
Room Requirements: At least 1 electrical outlet. Access to a sink is preferable.

LSLC professional development workshops are offered on a variety of topics and give educators experience with cutting-edge science technologies. These 5 hour hands-on workshops also provide teachers with innovative instructional materials that are aligned with New York State Math, Science and Technology (MST) standards, as well as National Science Education Standards. This year, we are pleased to present an exciting new set of workshops!
Dates:
February 4, March 3, April 7 and May 5, 2008 (Participants will register for all four (4) sessions, which will meet on the first Monday of each month).
Time:
4:00-7:00PM
Fees:
$220 Monroe #1 BOCES and Component District Staff
$240 Non-Component District Staff
Audience:
Grades 6-12 Life Sciences and Living Environment teachers