TEACHS
TEACHS- Training Educators About Classroom and Hands-on Science
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience’s educator professional development workshops offer Palm Beach and Martin County high school and middle school teachers an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge techniques used in neuroscience research, taking back valuable tools and resources for their classrooms. Workshops have been created to fit within professional development guidelines and the current curriculum to optimize the time educators spend at the Institute.
Workshops will provide in-depth instruction and hands-on activities related to the topic led by subject experts. Each participant will also receive the opportunity to engage their students by borrowing a Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Lending Lab Kit complete with equipment and resources.
Workshop 1: Microscopy and Cell Biology
November 1, 2023 from 8 am to 4 pm
Workshop 2: Genetics
December 2, 2023 from 8 am to 4 pm
Applications will open on September 8, 2023. The deadline to apply is October 8, 2023.
TEACHS is supported by a generous grant from the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund
Program Details and Requirements
Candidate Requirements:
- Candidates must be current middle or high school teachers in Palm Beach or Martin counties
- Teachers must be available for the entire day of the workshop
- Principal authorization of participation is required
- Please note that there will be NO exceptions for the above requirements
Application
Complete the application below, including answers to the following prompts
Workshop 1: Microscopy and Cell Biology Application Prompts
- Please describe your current class (personality, level of enthusiasm, skill).
- What is your familiarity with light microscopy? What do you hope to learn?
- What role do microscopy and cell biology play in your current curriculum?
- How would this course help you better serve your students?
- Why should you be selected for this development opportunity?
Workshop 2: Genetics Application Prompts
- Please describe your current class (personality, level of enthusiasm, skill).
- What is your familiarity with genetics? What do you hope to learn?
- What role do genetics play in your current curriculum?
- How would this course help you better serve your students?
- Why should you be selected for this development opportunity?
The application for both workshops will open on September 8th, 2023. Click below to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the application period open?
Application for Workshop 1: Microscopy and Cell Biology will open on September 8th, 2023, and close on October 8th, 2023. Application for Workshop 2: Genetics will open on September 8th, 2023 , and close on October 8th, 2023.
Who is eligible to apply?
Application for TEACHS program is open to current middle and high school teachers that are employed teaching in Palm Beach and Martin counties.
What is the application process?
Interested educators will apply online through a link that will be provided on this webpage when the application window is open. Please visit the application section for additional details. Those selected for the program will be notified 1-2 weeks prior to the workshop.
If selected, is there a cost to participate?
The TEACHS program is sponsored by a grant from the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund. Participation in the program is free.
How long is the program?
TEACHS workshops are single-day programs. Selected teachers will be on site from 8 am – 4 pm on the date of their workshop.
Important Dates
Applications for both workshops open September 8 and close October 8, 2023.
Workshop 1: Microscopy and Cell Biology
November 1, 2023 from 8 am to 4 pm
Workshop 2: Genetics
December 2, 2023 from 8 am to 4 pm
Workshop 1- Microscopy and Cell Biology
Workshop 1 – Microscopy and Cell Biology
Learn big concepts on a small scale! This workshop will provide educators the opportunity to learn advanced microscopy techniques on cutting-edge equipment from scientists at the forefront of the field. Topics will include light, fluorescence, super-resolution, and electron microscopy as well as cell biology techniques frequently used while imaging.
Educators will reinforce their knowledge with two hands-on activities- one of which they can pass along to their classes using our MPFI Lending Lab Kit. This kit will include use of a fluorescence microscope, demonstration slides, a lesson plan, and support from an MPFI scientist to execute the module.
After attending the Microscopy and Cell Biology Workshop, educators will be able to implement lessons on the following topics:
- Basic principles of light microscopy
- Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its applications in biomedical research
- Basic cell biology techniques (passing, plating and transfection of cell cultures)
- Basic principles of electron microscopy
- Structure and function of subcellular compartments: cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum
Reignite your passion for the unseen world and pass on the inspiration to your students!
Click Here to View Pictures from 2022 Workshop One
Workshop 2 – Genetics
Educators will experience a day in the life of a geneticist in this workshop! Educators will learn the many different model organisms studied in the field, focusing on one of the most accessible to bring back to their own classrooms. Modules and hands-on activities will be led by subject experts passionate about the field. Topics will include: genotype and phenotype differences, inheritance patterns, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and optogenetics.
Educators will reinforce their knowledge with hands-on activities they can pass along to their classes using our MPFI Lending Lab Classroom Kit. This kit will include the use of 5 microscopes, live model organisms for study, a lesson plan, and support from an MPFI scientist to execute the module.
After attending the Genetics Workshop, educators will be able to implement lessons on the following topics:
- Animal models in scientific research
- The differences between Genotype and Phenotype
- Inheritance of autosomal and sex-linked traits
- Experimental design, data collection, and analysis
- Complex behaviors study using optogenetics
Bring research to life in your classroom!
The Workshop 2 application period opens September 8 and closes October 8, 2023. The workshop will take place on December 2, 2023.