The San Diego Supercomputer Center and The Scripps Research Institute is now accepting applications for our 2008 Conference Of New Teachers In Genomics (CONTIG) workshop.

Monday - Wednesday, July 14 - 16, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SDSC, TSRI and Miramar College Biotechnology Center

Workshop Description:
Applications are currently being accepted to participate in our inaugural Conference Of New Teachers In Genomics (CONTIG) workshop, taking place July 14 -16, 2008. Six high school teachers will be selected to attend this three-day workshop, which will run from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. Teachers will be asked to evaluate the program and provide valuable input into the structure and development of a five-day workshop for 2009. The program is a collaboration with The Scripps Research Institute and the Miramar College Biotechnology Center.

A $300 stipend is being offered to participating teachers. An option for three quarter CEU units will be available. This will be a 3-quarter unit workshop (equivalent to two semesters).

Workshop Content:
We have developed a program that we hope answers those all-important student questions of “so what?”, “who cares?”, and “is this going to be on the test?”. Our timeline will take you from the initial extraction of DNA, through the Central Dogma of biology, ending with protein structure analysis. Components of the program begin with hands-on activities in a Miramar College lab classroom with scientists from The Scripps Research Institute. We will learn basic techniques for DNA extraction, DNA sequencing and proteomics studies. The second day will include PCR, DNA Contigs, gene cloning, protein purification, and protein crystallization. Our third day will begin at the San Diego Supercomputer Center with an introduction to BLAST, RasMol and other interactive computer programs available for educators. The day will end with a tour of the Kuhn/Stevens lab at The Scripps Research Institute.

Included in the program is continental breakfast each morning, lunch each day and parking at UCSD. Not included is transportation to the three sites, though we may carpool during the day when transferring for late morning and afternoon activities or tours.

Workshop Facilitators:
The program facilitators are Judi Heitz from Chula Vista High School judihetiz@cox.net and Susan Moerder smoerder@cox.net from Francis Parker School. Please feel free to contact them with questions you may have.

How to Apply:
To download an application, please visit http://education.sdsc.edu/teachertech. For questions, please contact Marisela Chevez, Director, Academic Preparation & Outreach Programs, TSRI at 858.784.2171 or email mchevez@scripps.edu or Ange Mason, Education Program Manager, SDSC, at 858 534-5064 or email amason@ucsd.edu.