Exploring the Molecular Biology of infectious Diseases

This project will create a professional development program for high school science teachers focused on the molecular mechanisms that pathogens use to infect our cells and cause disease. The project consists of two distinct phases. In the first, we will create a variety of hands-on instructional materials – composed of both foam-based schematic models and accurate 3D-printed models of proteins – to bring to life molecular stories of the process of science. We will use a framework that emphasizes how the foundational concepts of molecular biology established in the past provides the basis for the amazing technology that can be used today to combat infections. In the second phase of this project, we will create a professional learning experience in which the project’s instructional materials will be introduced to high school science teachers. The project’s goals are 1. To increase the teachers’ content knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases. 2. To model for the teachers a student-centered active learning pedagogy that values questions over answers. The project features a formal teacher empowerment program in which a small group of veteran teachers are trained to serve as mentors for teachers who are new to the project. High school biology and chemistry teachers will be recruited into this project via presentations and exhibits at state, regional and national meetings of science educators. This program is available to all high school science teachers regardless of sex, age, or race. Contact PD/PI: Herman, Tim M. Project Summary/