UW Grant to Raise Awareness of Biomedical Sciences for Wyoming Communities, Students |
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Nov. 23, 2005 -- Students in grades 7-9 and also communities in Albany, Laramie and Fremont counties will participate in a University of Wyoming pilot program designed to raise awareness of biomedical sciences.
A three-year, $729,000 National Institutes of Health grant will fund the university's "Enhancing Awareness and Understanding of the Biomedical Sciences in Wyoming" project. Geared toward Wyoming's rural population, the program will develop and deliver relevant and informational biomedical education units to the state's communities and specific learning modules and lesson plans to 7-9th grade science classrooms, says Don Roth, UW Graduate School dean and professor of molecular biology.
"The program will increase public appreciation and awareness of the scientific and technological foundations, processes and benefits of biomedical research and will increase students' knowledge of interdisciplinary biomedical sciences," Roth says. "It also encourages students to continue their education and prepares them for possible professional careers in the biomedical sciences."
Increasing student and parent awareness of biomedical career opportunities and the necessity for long term planning are particularly important components of the program. It is vital to inspire students in these grade levels and engage their parents in order to increase participation in biomedical careers, Roth says.
The initial phase of the project will begin in January 2006 and Roth anticipates that all Wyoming counties eventually will have the opportunity to participate.
Program topics will focus on relevant health issues and emphasize problem solving and discovery. Foundations of ethical decision-making and critical thinking also will be incorporated into all learning modules, Roth says. The intention of the program is to promote self-directed learning and nurture an appreciation for discovery and creativity.
The learning modules, complete with detailed lesson plans, will be developed by science teachers, university graduate students and UW faculty. The modules will focus on the interdisciplinary nature and unifying concepts of basic and clinical aspects of selected biomedical areas, complement current curricula and meet state standards, Roth says. Program participants also will take part in ongoing workshops, the state science fair and summer research apprenticeships on campus.
The program will provide continuing education opportunities to teachers and non-traditional teaching and learning opportunities to UW graduate students.
"The program also will enhance the graduate experience and increase the competitive success of our graduate students in the workforce," Roth adds. Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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