Helping K-12 Students Become Fluent in the Language of DNA

描述（由申请人提供）：乔治亚州立大学的生物巴士计划前往乔治亚州的学校，并提供实践，探究性的活动，旨在让K-12学生对科学充满热情。自1999年以来，生物巴士已经访问了乔治亚州30个县的1000多所学校，并在此过程中与超过10万名游客分享了令人兴奋的科学体验。参观的人员是“生物巴士研究员”，研究生和高级本科生，他们喜欢与年轻的学习者分享他们对科学的热爱。生物巴士计划的成员将试图确定是否DNA作为一种分子语言呈现给学生在早期促进他们的能力，以理解在随后的几年里呈现的遗传原理。Bio-Bus的工作人员将与K-12教师合作，开发一系列旨在帮助年轻学生流利掌握DNA语言的活动。DNA结构和功能的原理将在小学阶段使用操作、拼图和直接的实验室经验进行介绍。以这些原则为基础的其他活动将在以后的小学和中学课堂上实施。这些活动将在迪凯特城市学校进行试点测试，这是一个郊区的小学区，学生群体多样化。经过评估和修订，成功的活动将提供给位于格鲁吉亚城市、郊区和农村地区的其他学区。该项目的最终目标是传播DNA语言程序，作为培养年轻学习者的一种方法，使他们具备理解DNA的知识和技能，并欣赏分子遗传学的进步对社会的影响。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Georgia State University's Bio-Bus program travels to Georgia schools and presents hands-on, inquiry-based activities designed to get K-12 students enthusiastic about science. Since 1999, the Bio-Bus has made over 1000 visits to schools in 30 Georgia counties, and in the process has shared exciting science experiences with more than 100,000 visitors. Visits are staffed by "Bio-Bus Fellows," graduate students and advanced undergraduates who enjoy sharing their love of science with young learners. Members of the Bio-Bus program will seek to determine whether presentation of DNA as a molecular language to students at an early age facilitates their ability to understand genetic principles that are presented in subsequent years. Working with K-12 teachers, Bio-Bus personnel will develop a set of activities designed to help young students gain fluency in the language of DNA. Principles of DNA structure and function will be introduced in the primary grades using manipulatives, puzzles, and direct laboratory experiences. Additional activities that build on these principles will be implemented in later elementary and middle school classes. Activities will be pilot-tested in the City Schools of Decatur, a small suburban school district with a diverse student population. After evaluation and revision, successful activities will be offered to additional school districts located in urban, suburban and rural regions of Georgia. The ultimate goal of the project is to disseminate the DNA language program as a method for producing young learners with the knowledge and skills to understand DNA and to appreciate the impact that advances in molecular genetics are having on society. The goal of the project is to promote an understanding of DNA and the principles governing molecular genetics among K-12 students. If successful, the project will help to produce individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about cloning, genetic engineering, and the use of genetic information, as well as other molecular genetics-oriented topics that affect society.