Summer School for Teachers: Local Educators Get Lessons in Biomedical Research

Waukesha County teachers return to classrooms this week for a special teachers institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center. The teachers, who focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will immerse themselves in the world of protein science in an intense one-week course taught by faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and the center’s staff.

The teachers, who work at Heritage Christian and Menomonee Falls High Schools, will work in teams, learning different experimental techniques to use in their classrooms. The goal of the institute is to enable teachers to connect fundamental concepts in different STEM areas and help them gain a comprehensive view of the practice of science.

“The Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center at MCW gives teachers the laboratory experience they will need to keep up with current scientific research practices, which will be of tremendous benefit to their students. Children will understand the real-world relevance of science, technology, engineering and math. Our long-term goal is to inspire the next generation to pursue a career focused on discovery,” said Tim Sobotka, education outreach manager in the Center.

The institute will involve experimental, computational, and demonstration labs showcasing various themes in the study of proteins, which are the main actors in cells and involved in virtually all cellular functions. The Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center is home to some of the world’s leading experts in the study of proteins.

The Center is partnering with Carroll University, so the teachers will receive professional development credit for participating. The teachers will also meet during the academic year to create and implement a STEM-focused instructional unit.