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Local teachers expand science instruction through biotechnology workshop

by Latasha Ford

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Middle Georgia educators participated in a Fort Valley State University biotechnology workshop led by Sarwan Dhir, Ph.D., director of the Center for Biotechnology.

Ten science educators from middle Georgia spent a week in July taking part in Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) Research Experience for Teachers in Biotechnology workshop.

This summer enrichment program involved middle and high school teachers conducting a five-day laboratory research project in the Center for Biotechnology, directed by Sarwan Dhir, Ph.D. The teachers gained valuable skills in implementing molecular biology techniques in their classrooms. They also received a $3,000 stipend, a hands-on kit for teaching and a certificate of achievement.

Dhir explained that the goal of the workshop was to bring local teachers to campus for training in biotechnology. He noted the participation of two high school students, each receiving a $1,000 stipend, and four FVSU undergraduates who assisted with the instruction. The workshop was supported by a $900,000 grant from the Department of Education.

“They learned about tissue culture and transferring DNA, which is part of the curriculum that they can easily implement in the classroom,” Dhir said, adding that the teachers plan to return in the fall with their students for a campus visit.

In addition to lab work, the educators toured other agricultural labs, greenhouses and research fields.

Teachers tour the FVSU Nanotechnology Laboratory led by Hari Singh, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

Alicia Williams, who teaches biology, chemistry and physical science at Central High School (CHS) in Macon, Georgia, appreciated the opportunity to return to her alma mater and expand her hands-on science skills. Williams, also CHS science department chair, earned a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2007 and a Master of Public Health in environmental health in 2010. With nearly 11 years of teaching experience, she emphasized the value of Dhir’s workshop, noting that the lab techniques she learned will help her better prepare students for college. She also highlighted how the DNA kits provided during the workshop will benefit her school’s forensic science class.

“Giving students hands-on experience to see what forensic science does can get them excited about the field and knowing how everything works and coincides with the real work,” said Williams, who worked in Dhir’s lab as a student.

Megan Netherland, who teaches biology at Veterans High School in Kathleen, Georgia, agreed that the workshop was viable for developing new research skills.

“Dr. Dhir has offered us real resources that we can use,” she said. “It has given us a better look into what is going on right now that we can take back to our students. Teachers don’t get that opportunity very often.”

The five-year educator said the activities they learned can help engage students more in science.

“Our students are going to be entering a world that is exponentially more advanced than where we started. The technology is so much more advanced, and the knowledge is so much more advanced,” Netherland said. “We need to advance what we are doing in the classroom to match what is going on in the real world so that they are prepared to make real change.”

Also, Alton Brown, a student at Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, said joining his teacher for this workshop was an amazing and eye-opening experience. He excitedly highlighted propagating plants from a cutting and learning how to break down genes.

The 16-year-old junior stressed the importance of hands-on learning because many students like him grasp concepts more effectively through practical application. He appreciates that his teachers provide these opportunities at his school. He commended the impact they have had on his education and how they have helped foster his love for science.

“When you walk outside, science is everywhere,” Brown said.

To learn more about FVSU’s plant science program, visit https://bit.ly/plantsciencefvsu.

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• FVSU Agriculture College

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