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

描述(由申请者提供)：佐治亚州立大学的Bio-Bus项目前往佐治亚州的学校，提供动手的、基于探究的活动，旨在让K-12年级的学生对科学充满热情。自1999年以来，Bio-Bus已经对佐治亚州30个县的学校进行了1000多次访问，并在此过程中与100,000多名参观者分享了令人兴奋的科学经验。访问的工作人员是“生物巴士研究员”、研究生和高级本科生，他们喜欢与年轻学习者分享他们对科学的热爱。Bio-Bus项目的成员将寻求确定，在早期向学生展示DNA作为一种分子语言是否有助于他们理解随后几年展示的遗传原理。Bio-Bus人员将与K-12教师合作，开发一套旨在帮助年轻学生流利地使用DNA语言的活动。DNA结构和功能的原理将通过操纵法、谜题和直接的实验室经验在小学年级中介绍。以这些原则为基础的附加活动将在以后的小学和中学课堂上实施。活动将在迪凯特的城市学校进行试点测试，这是一个拥有多样化学生人口的郊区小学区。经过评估和修订后，将向格鲁吉亚城市、郊区和农村地区的更多学区提供成功的活动。该项目的最终目标是传播DNA语言计划，作为一种方法，培养具有理解DNA的知识和技能的年轻学习者，并认识到分子遗传学的进步正在对社会产生的影响。 该项目的目标是促进K-12学生对DNA和分子遗传学原理的理解。如果成功，该项目将有助于培养具有知识和技能的个人，以便在克隆、基因工程和遗传信息的使用以及其他影响社会的分子遗传学主题方面做出明智的决定。

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.