This proposal is a collaborative effort of four colleges ( Georgetown University, Canisius College, University of San Francisco, and Seattle University) to incorporate biotechnological concepts and laboratory experiments into high school science curricula, particularly biology and chemistry. The project is an outgrowth of a successful teacher enhancement project at Georgetown University under the leadership of Dr. Chirikjian in the area of biotechnology. Teachers and college scientists at the three other institutions participated in the 1987 summer program at Georgetown in preparation to serve as lead teachers and project directors in their areas in this project. During the Georgetown project, a laboratory kit and reagents were developed to facilitate conducting the key experiments in high school science classrooms. In addition, during this project, a set of key technique videotapes will be developed to assist teachers in implementation efforts. Participating teachers have assisted in the design refinements of the kits and reagents to assure their most effective use in high school classrooms. Georgetown University staff will provide staff and materials support to the satellite colleges in the initial years of the project. School district and local private sector support will augment NSF funding in the implementation of the project. The project will be fully implemented in each of the satellite colleges during the period of this project and plans will be developed for the continuation of appropriate project related activities after NSF funding ceases. This project is worthy of funding because of the importance of incorporating this important area of science into high school classrooms, the kit and reagents being developed specifically for the high school audience, the model of dissemination and cooperation among colleges and universities on a national level and the commitment of the PIs and teachers to continue the project activities at the conclusion of the project.
