The DNA Barcoding Workshop is a five-day training program held at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s (CSHL’s) DNA Learning Center. The program is designed to train high school teachers and people from places like conservation groups, nature preserves, and other science centers on the basics of working with DNA. Workshop participants then take those lessons back to their classroom or workplace. The end goal is to inspire high schoolers and other members of the public to pursue their scientific curiosity.
“I’m hoping my freshmen and sophomores will end up using this as a jumpstart for research projects throughout the year,” said one workshop participant.
Through hands-on training sessions, teachers learn a variety of DNA analysis techniques. These include several computer programs such as CSHL’s DNA Subway, used to identify species via short DNA sequences called barcodes.
“I think teachers enjoy the fact that they can transmit real research to their classrooms,” says Cristina Fernandez Marco, Ph.D., Barcode Long Island program manager. “The kids get engaged and might end up pursuing scientific careers.”
The next educator training workshop will be held at DNA Learning Center NYC in Brooklyn, NY. It runs August 21 to 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Look for information on more learning opportunities for science teachers and their students, coming soon.
Written by: Luis Sandoval, Communications Specialist | sandova@cshl.edu | 516-367-6826