workshops

Workshops

Deborah McGann , Chemistry Instructor at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics has been invited to give a 2-hour workshop at the following conference:

 "Integrating Science and Mathematics Education Research into Teaching: Resources and Tools for Improved Learning"
University of Maine, Orono

Conference Dates:

Sunday evening, June 22nd
Wednesday noon, June 25th

Workshop Title:

Bringing Computational Biology to the Classroom

Abstract: Computational Biology blurs the distinctions between the fields of the science, technology and mathematics allowing students to gain knowledge, skills, and understandings in these areas while experiencing the thrill of new discovery. This workshop will not only introduce participants to vast public scientific data resources such as Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI), and the Mouse Phenome Database (MPD) housed at The Jackson Laboratory, but will also provide advanced curriculum mapped to State and National Standards to facilitate the implementation of these bioinformatics tools. The collection of activities and assessments were developed using the tested practices of backward design with a focus on essential questions, guided inquiry and formative assessments. Attendees will be equipped to engage students, from their desktops, in cutting edge primary genetic research where many critical questions are as yet unanswered. Specific areas to be explored include the use of databases housing both raw data for gene expression and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) along with analyzed and reported data for known gene functions, biochemical pathways, and phenotypes. Analysis will require the use of spreadsheets along with extensive data mining to investigate the origins and implications of relationships between genotypes and phenotype at the molecular level. This workshop is for any science or mathematics instructor, with or without background in computational biology or bioinformatics.