Engage your students in hands-on, inquiry-based biotechnology research! In this online workshop, high school teachers will explore how to guide students in designing and conducting authentic experiments that tackle real-world questions. Participants will learn strategies for creating student-driven research projects in biotechnology, with a focus on current and relevant topics such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), tick-borne illnesses, and Wolbachia-based approaches to disease control.

Teachers will leave with practical tools and frameworks for:

• Structuring open-ended research projects that spark curiosity and critical thinking

• Integrating modern biotechnology techniques safely into the classroom

• Supporting students in developing research questions, designing experiments, and analyzing results

• Connecting classroom investigations to broader societal and scientific contexts

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be ready to empower your students to become active participants in scientific discovery.

Follow-Up Opportunity: A subsequent hands-on workshop will allow teachers to gain practical experience with the laboratory techniques and experiments presented. Date TBD.

Appropriate for: High School Biology Capstone Projects, AP Biology, Biotechnology