Update in Molecular Biology for Teachers from Public Schools: a Knowledge Exchange Experience.

Abstract

One of the goals of the graduate Program in Molecular Biology from UNIFESP (PrMB -UNIFESP) is to contribute for continuing education of biology teachers from public high schools. A close relation between university and public schools is an important channel for dissemination of scientific knowledge. Thus, a 40h Molecular Biology updating course was offered to 20 high school teachers. The objective was to discuss genomic and proteomic advances and their application. The course was organized by graduate students from PrMB -UNIFESP. Three groups ofstudents were formed, two being responsible for theorical and practical classes and one for global logistic including searching for financial support. The themes presented to the teachers were flow of genetic information, recombinant DNA, gene cloning, transgenic plants and animals, mutation, super bacteria and stem cell. The teachers also had hands-on classes including DNA extraction, PCR, gene cloning and SDS-PAGE. The teachers received an assignment to go back to their s chools and do some activity with their students that would be related to the themes discussed. The students produced videos, discussions, posters, theater, experimental models and pratical classes related to the course themes. After 3 months the teachers r eturned to show their students’ work. We conclude that information was transmitted to the teachers, updating them, and to high school students, that learned science in a entertaining way. Also, the graduate students had an experience on how to organize a c ourse including all its responsibilities.