The purpose of this program is to conduct a three day conference to develop guidelines for the pre-college teaching of genetic engineering, and for the preparation of teachers and the formation of networks and partnerships that facilitate the introduction of high quality, up-to- date, science education about genetic engineering. Conference participants will include biology teachers experienced in teaching genetic engineering; Teacher Enhancement project personnel who are experienced in this and related areas, and other individuals experienced in alliances, partnerships and networking in support of science education programs in biotechnology. The conference will address three main areas relative to genetic engineering: 1) pre-college academic content, including basic biology of genetic engineering, technological applications, socialethical issues, and economic issues, 2) teacher enhancement, and 3) the role of alliances, partnerships and networks in implementing new science education programs. Pre-conference papers will be developed in each of these three areas so that conference participants can respond to them. Discussion results will then be used to produce a set of recommended guidelines for future teacher enhancement programs in the area of genetic engineering. The guidelines, along with the pre-conference papers, will be incorporated into a Conference Report that will be made available to all interested individuals. An amount equal to 13.5% of NSF costs will be provided as cost sharing.
