The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh extends its teaching mission beyond the walls of the Clapp / Langley / Crawford complex to bring understanding of science to the greater Pittsburgh area. It is the goal of the Outreach program is to bridge the gap between the science community and K-12 teachers and students. In past years this has been accomplished through several successful programs, and now more than ever we are finding new ways to effectively translate current science into the classroom. Our programs support teachers, students and classrooms by providing cutting-edge technology and developing new techniques for incorporating that technology into the classroom.
Dr. Andy Turner leads teachers engaged in the Environmental Sciences Workshop.
There are several programs targeted to different facets of the Outreach program goals. Click on the links below to view more information about these programs, which include workshops for High School teachers in Computation Biology and Experimental Design, field trips to University facilities, on-site visits to Elementary, Middle, and High Schools - all made possible by funding from the HHMI Undergraduate Science Education Program and an NCRR Science Education Partnership Award.
High School Teacher Workshop Program
These one-week summer workshops are designed to update content knowledge and provide curricular lab options to high school and junior high teachers. Participating teachers become eligible for the Pitt Kits Program.
High School Teacher Workshops held at Allegheny College
In an effort to serve teachers in northwestern Pennsylvania, the Teacher Workshop Program will be offered at Allegheny College.
Pitt Kits
After participating in a High School Teacher Workshop, teachers are eligible for this loaner program that provides all the materials, supplies, and equipment required to perform workshop protocols in their high school classroom at no cost to the teacher or school district.
Gene Team
The Gene Team program provides the opportunity for selected high school biology teachers and students to join a 7-week summer research experience, during which they participate directly in cutting-edge research that uses genetics to study health-related problems.
Graduate student Becky Gonda teaches a Penn Hills High School student how to extract DNA from a gel.
PJAS
As part of our mission to promote participation in science, faculty members travel to the Region 7 and Region 9 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science to judge competitions and present the "Excellence in Biology" award.
Elementary Science Fair Program
Aimed at increasing elementary science fair participation, this in class program introduces the scientific method as an age appropriate problem-solving technique.
Outbreak
"Outbreak" is a simulation that uses the concept of infectious disease to allow students to analyze data, formulate relevant questions, and test/revise hypotheses. They must use critical analysis and inquiry-based thinking to solve the case of a possible outbreak.
If you have any questions or comments about the Department of Biological Sciences Outreach program, please contact the Director of Outreach Programs, Dr. Alison Slinskey Legg.
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