A model for genetics in the classroom
Our program is testing and deploying a new version of Wisconsin Fast Plants that was specifically created to provide students and teachers with the opportunity to conduct hands-on exploration of classical and molecular genetics. We are presently testing these new resources in Madison area high school classrooms and intend to broaden those dissemination efforts over the coming years.
Outcomes
Our program has been funded by grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Science Foundation. Funds have been used to support undergraduate and high school student researchers (18 undergraduates and 10 Wisconsin high school students to date). Among high school students, 3 have progressed through the escalating levels of local, state, and national science fair competitions and have placed well in the prestigious Intel Science Fair. There have been 300+ students who have used our plant genetic resources during field tests at Madison Memorial and one of our collaborators, AP Biology teacher Cindy Kellor, considers students who have used these materials to better comprehend principles of genetics and the scientific method than students who have not used them.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Richard Amasino
Prof. Biochemistry
- Department/Unit
- Biochemistry
- School or College
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences