.jpg)
Summer Science Institute
Teacher Comments
Advanced Biotechnology: June 11-15, 2007
This program for 1 week was the best (intense) workshop for classroom teachers. I found this to be full of information and techniques I can use for my classroom concepts. I hope to be able to implement these ideas in my classroom. Dr. Laurence, Dr. Koroly and Travis were so helpful. Thank you.
Where do I begin? A week that begins with a primer in basic, biotechnology tools – electrophoresis, PCR = Southern blots. Then interspersed with concrete applications of such technologies in a myriad of science applications ranging from the more common medical technologies such as DNA fingerprinting, to the lesser known applications with jumping genes and production for ethanol in corn waste products; wildlife forensics and poaching to industry standards required in biopharmaceuticals. The connections with diverse science professionals, from graduate students to professors to private industry personnel will be invaluable as I plan my curriculum for next year and many years to come! Thank you!
The workshop is very informative and many resources are given that can be incorporated at the high school level. Biotech is a very dynamic and growing field that can be very helpful to students in determining what field choice they would like to participate in. The workshop is a true view of what is happening in Biotech and by using those processes allow teachers to capture a real life experience that they can transfer to their students.
This is a life-time experience. I would advise any teacher wondering how to help their students become more interested in the sciences to attend at least one of the workshops that the Summer Science Institute offers. The different lecturers that spoke during the workshop all had fascinating information to share. All you need is an open-mind and willing spirit and you will fall in love with the program. I am already planning to attend at least one of the workshops next year.
Explorations in Environmental Science: June 18-22, 2007
This was an excellent way to learn more about environmental issues. The speakers came from a variety of backgrounds, the field activities were stimulating, the teachers were very willing to share ideas and the content was relevant.
The CPET program offers a wide range of activities that expose the high school/middle school teacher to varying topics of interest. The opportunity to meet and share ideas with other teachers from around the state makes the program extremely worthwhile. There are many activities and resources provided that can be taken back to the home school and shared with other teachers and the students.
The information from this workshop will provide teachers with a perspective about the water cycles, changes in the climate, effects of invasive plants, and water quality in the Florida aquifer. All scientists and workshop presenters were very knowledgeable and friendly.
The SSI was a great opportunity to create contacts to bring current research into the classroom. It was very invigorating and applicable to my classroom curriculum, and students. The SSI is something that I would encourage any teacher to experience.
Explorations in Environmental Science at the University of Florida is an excellent resource for every science teacher. The wealth of information and valuable insight from the professors is applicable to the classroom environment and extreme value! This is truly the best workshop I have attended in the past five years. I will definitely be back next year. Thanks for all the excitement and fun! PS I am really excited about all my free material. It’ll take the rest of the summer just to go through it!
Explorations in Life Science: June 25-29, 2007
In one week, you will get a feeling of having gone to UF and majored in several areas. You will feel closer to other science teachers from all over the state. Your confidence in teaching science subjects will increase exponentially. This has been an attitude changing experience that has recharged my creative batteries.
To those teachers who have not participated in a CPET workshop, you are missing a great opportunity to learn the latest techniques and procedures to use in your science classroom. CPET really cares about teachers and science education. If an opportunity presents itself for you to be a participant, please apply to attend some of the workshops!
This workshop offered numerous hands-on activities as well as a wealth of information for teachers. The amount of preparation that went into the planning of this workshop was extensive. You will not be disappointed. You will obtain more information from this workshop than from county inservices due to the accessibility of UF research.
Exploring Life Science with Dr. Koroly and her incredible team of experts has sparked a new fire in my “educator’s heart”. My enthusiasm about the science I was immersed in this week will spill over into planning, preparing, and implementing science lessons. I can’t wait to share my experience with my students! It is almost hard to believe that such a varied scientific agenda could be fit into 5 days. Kudos to Dr. Koroly and her team!
