UtSTA 2024: Out-Of-This-World Science Teaching

DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and live cell imaging are vital technologies for diagnosing diseases. Learning about the biochemical processes they employ affords a deeper understanding of molecular genetics and the central dogma. This workshop explores: An interactive online activity featuring short videos that outline these technologies and task students with matching the technology appropriate for illuminating the molecules, processes and structures responsible for building and maintaining organisms. An online interface that provides a molecular and cellular view of the consequences of information transfer gone wrong from DNA to protein Function. A paper-based cooperative learning exercise where students analyze data from genetic technologies to identify a genetic disorder, engaging them in critical thinking and problem solving. We'll demonstrate the features of the online interactives, engage in the cooperative learning exercise, and discuss classroom use.

Come learn about a hands-on opportunity for your students to participate in a real-world disease outbreak simulation! The Utah Valley University Operation Outbreak Embassy is excited to invite all high school science teachers to engage their students in data collection and collaboration with local college students. We would love to involve your students in research. Operation Outbreak is appropriate for students of all ages but is especially applicable to AP and CE students.

We will begin by introducing Operation Outbreak. Operation Outbreak simulations are simulated outbreaks of pandemics for the purpose of teaching students about disease along with data collection on disease spread and human behavior. Students engage in real world modeling and provide data for epidemiologists on how people behave during outbreaks and how diseases spread through populations. We will discuss how the simulations work as well as the benefits for students. We will also talk about research opportunities for high school students and how to reinforce their science identity and bring the university into their classrooms.

These are the SEED standards that Operation Outbreak simulations and associated lessons address:
Bio 1.1, Bio 1.2, Bio 1.4, Bio 4.2, Bio 4.4, Ess 2.6, Ess 4.2, Ess 4.4.

In addition to discussing the benefits of running Operation Outbreak simulations we will discuss the resources available for teaching Outbreak science in the classroom as well as how to use the data. Operation Outbreak is a collaborative and cross-curricular activity that covers multiple content areas including social science, history, math, health, and journalism in addition to Biology. We will discuss the collaborative nature of the simulation and how to involve the entire school in a full simulation.

The environmental footprint of food and agriculture takes into account various factors that measure the environmental impact of producing, processing, transporting, and consuming food. Some of the key factors considered in food's ecological footprint include land use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, waste generation, inputs, and transportation. These factors all contribute to understanding the overall impact of food production and consumption. During this workshop, participants will evaluate the benefits and contributions of the agricultural industry, weigh the environmental impacts of food production, and explore solutions that reduce and mitigate the environmental impact caused by humans and agriculture. (SEEd Standards BIO.1.2, 1.3, and 1.5)

Come learn and get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session. You will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery. This hands-on lab can be used to support Strand Bio 3 - Genetic Patterns.