Previous Events
This November, we reunited a diverse group of 6 teachers, from 4 different schools, and who teach different subjects. We are encouraging all teachers, regardless of their original background, to learn about ABE. This is a great way to disseminate the project across schools and to integrate biotechnology to the curriculum as a full experience, discussing not only the scientific content related to Biology and Pharmacology but also all elements behind how Science is and has been produced through History. Working together with Arts and Physical Education teachers, we take the chance to discuss the role of creativity and motor coordination for the work of a Scientist.
Teachers learning about the equipment we use during our activities
On June 18 and 21, Year 11 students from Escola Estadual Paulo Egydio de Oliveira Carvalho Senador visited the university to participate in a training session under the Amgen Biotech Experience program.
The content covered included instructions on the use and care of micropipettes, and the students learned the importance of precision in handling this equipment through fun activities carried out on the Elisa plate, agarose gel, and laminated paper. In addition, the concept of electrophoresis was explained, as well as its practical applications and the importance of this technique for biotechnology. The students also had the opportunity to perform electrophoresis in practice and, at the end of the event, observe the results of their samples running in the electrophoresis tank.
It was two mornings of lots of fun and learning!
We would like to thank all the students from the school for their attendance and we are immensely grateful for all the affection left on the exit tickets. We hope to see you exploring science even further in the future. Keep dreaming big!
Students loading dye samples onto an ELISA plate
On June 13 and 20, we received at Mackenzie University teachers from Ordânia Janone Crespo Full-Time School and one teacher from Batista Brasileiro School to conduct the Amgen Biotech Experience program training.
Combining a fun and charming experience with a lot of educational content, this training was highly praised and appreciated by the teachers. They had the opportunity to learn and review the basics of laboratory work, as well as learn how to handle equipment that had not been explored in their initial education. The content was divided into two parts: on the first day, teachers were introduced to micropipettes and electrophoresis and prepared agarose gels. On the second day, after a tour around the Mackenzie Presbyterian University campus, teachers practiced the pipetting techniques learned on the first day, performed an electrophoresis experiment, and participated in an activity to explore plasmids and their various applications in the health field.
These were days of lots of conversation, lots of experience sharing, lots of learning and lots of fun!
We are very grateful for everyone's presence and we hope to see you again soon!
Teachers gathered after one of our training sessions
On May 2nd and 3rd, students of Year 11 and 12 from Brasílio Machado State School visited the campus of Mackenzie Presbyterian University, where they had the opportunity to know some professionals from Amgen Brazil and experience training in Laboratory 1 of the Amgen Biotech Experience program.
During their stay on campus, which lasted from 9 am to 3 pm, students were able to experience a brief tour of the most important buildings on campus and learn a little about the history of the university.
During the visit by professionals from Amgen Brazil, the students had the opportunity to talk to the staff team of Amgen Brazil and learn more about the company that sponsors the ABE project. They were able to ask questions, learn more about the different positions in the company, and understand more about the pharmaceutical industry, in addition to exploring the various job opportunities that this sector offers.
They were also able to experience the complete training of Chapter 1 of the ABE program, performing micropipetting experiments, learning how to handle micropipettes with excellence, preparing the agarose gel and, later, conducting an electrophoresis and observing its results.
It was two days of great experience, fun and learning for everyone involved. This event officially inaugurates the beginning of ABE Brazil's activities with students, being the first biotechnology experience offered by ABE Brazil to high school students. Thus, a cycle of great success and new experiences begins.
Students learning how to manage a micropipette
With the goal of creating an interdisciplinary project on biotechnology in their school, Alexandre Lima (History teacher), Aparecido de Souza (Math teacher), Cícero Filho (Sociology teacher), Fernanda Duarte (P.E. teacher), and Francisco Cabral (Chemistry teacher) from the Brasílio Machado State School in São Paulo visited Mackenzie University to learn more about the Amgen Biotech Experience Program.
Some of the teachers had never been in a laboratory environment, which made the whole experience very exciting for them. They all showed big interests in learning how to work with a micropipette and prepare a gel electrophoresis and, also, to understand the biotechnology concepts that were introduced during this professional development event.
Cícero Filho pipetting into a well
Francisco is a chemistry teacher at the Brasilio Machado State School, located in São Paulo. He accepted our invitation to visit Mackenzie University and learn about the Amgen Biotech Experience Program and loved the experience, learning how to work with micropipettes and perform gel electrophoresis.
He kindly invited other teachers at his school to participate in a continuing education event so that we could support them in creating an interdisciplinary project on biotechnology.
