Detecting Inherited Forms of Cancer Lab

 Ms. Melody Hopkins and her Anatomy and Physiology class, were selected as one of eleven high schools in the state, to participate in a statewide initiative to create more interest in science by conducting hands-on experiments.  The following is an excerpt from the Huntsville Times.

HudsonAlpha educators take biotech on the road

HudsonAlpha partners with statewide initiative to put sizzle in science classrooms

Huntsville, Ala- Would you rather conduct a scientific experiment or read about one?  Well, if you're like most students, hands-on wins hands down.  With that in mind, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is sending education staff members around the state to conduct teacher-focused tutorials on some of the lab technologies and techniques included in the high school portion of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative. 

According to Dr. Neil Lamb, director of educational outreach for HudsonAlpha, the tutorials are part of the institute's continuing partnership with the Alabama Science in Motion program, the high school component of AMSTI.  HudsonAlpha educators are coordinating high school classroom visits through AMSTI staff members located at 11 hub sites throughout the state.

ASIM offers engaging and meaningful content to high school science teachers and their students.  HudsonAlpha educators have created lab experiences for ASIM that illustrate key concepts in biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, as well as environmental science.  Additionally, the non-profit institute has provided initial equipment and supplies necessary.  In North Alabama, a U.S. Department of Labor grant supplemented funds for some of the hub sites.

The statewide tutorials offer classroom teachers keener insight to techniques and applications.  According to Harriet Clements, ASIM biology specialist at the USA/AMSTI hub, the Alabama Science in Motion program is a powerful example of teamwork and commitment on the part of Alabama. "In addition to delivering activities and laboratory equipment across the state, ASIM specialists offer guidance and training to help keep teachers current," she noted. "There's not another program of this magnitude anywhere else in America. Without it, many Alabama science teachers would face a school year completely lacking hands-on activities for their students."

"HudsonAlpha is a strong supporter of students and educators across Alabama," said Madelene Loftin, educator-in-residence for HudsonAlpha. "It's a key component of our mission statement."  Loftin added that linking classroom content to real-world applications is critical to a student's education. "It explains why students should understand the science concepts. Partnering with ASIM gives teachers the genetic and biotechnology tools to excite and engage tomorrow's scientists, physicians and leaders."