Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) Program Phase I Teacher Training!

The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) Program Phase I Teacher Training continues.

Following the online welcome meeting held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, we came together with our new teachers at METU on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Entertaining and informative activities were conducted from 09:00 to 17:00 in the laboratories of the Department of Biological Sciences at METU with the participation of 16 teachers. The purpose of this meeting was to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about biotechnology, its real-world applications, career opportunities related to biotechnology, their views on bioethics, and laboratory skills. After introductions, conversations, and breakfast, the day started with an icebreaker activity. The pace continued to rise with conceptual discussions on the molecular structure of DNA, DNA isolation, discussions about the fields, similarities, and differences between biotechnology and genetic engineering. Our ABE teacher, Mrs. Sercan Çoban, who has been carrying out classroom implementations for 3 years, was also with us as a part of the ABE Turkiye team to share her experience during the Phase I training, which was carried out with participants, mostly Science and Art Center teachers. In the afternoon session, our teachers isolated DNA from fruits in groups. The training concluded with discussions and observations related to DNA isolation topic, followed by sharing information about the use of the LabXchange platform as a teacher and a learner.