This proposal is to train 60 high school teachers from the state of Missouri in molecular biology. The program aims to (1) provide a theoretical and practical background in molecular biology through month-long summer programs, (2) develop a teaching module in molecular biology suitable for incorporation into the secondary school curriculum, and (3) to establish and maintain a molecular biology communications network among science teaches and university faculty. Upon completion of the program, the teachers will have (1) acquired a basic understanding of the principles of molecular biology, (2) gained experience in associated laboratory procedures, (3) developed a teaching module in molecular biology which will be incorporated into and evaluated within the high school classroom. The program is a cooperative effort between the Biomedical Sciences Department of Southwest Missouri State University and the Springfield R-12 school district.
