Exciting Educational Opportunities at JCVI!

Since 2003 scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute have been on a quest to unlock the secrets of the oceans by sampling, sequencing and analyzing the DNA of the microorganisms living in these waters. While this world is invisible to us, its importance is immeasurable. The microbes in the sea, land, and air sustain our life on Earth. This is why Dr. Venter and his team have been on their voyage of microbial discovery. Follow the expedition with the GOS Blog http://blogs.jcvi.org/gos.

With rapid developments in the biological sciences, science educators and professionals need easy access to expertise, current information, technology, and professional development. Through its education programs, the Venter Institute provides a broad-based community resource for science, math, and technology education for students of all ages. The Venter Institute's team of science educators promotes "learning by doing" in the sciences and provides ample opportunities for individual discovery. Along the way, students are encouraged to explore the wonder and potential of the natural world, to consider science as a potential career, and to understand how scientific concepts apply to everyday life.

This summer there are exciting professional development programs being offered in both Maryland and California. Middle and high school teachers will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and be able to help their students:
* Understand the cellular process of reading and following genetic instructions
* Understand molecular biology techniques of genomic work
* Develop an appreciation of genomics' complexity and impact on society
* Make informed decisions about issues such as genetically altered crops and privacy of personal genetic information

Teachers will take with them classroom ready activities based on the Institute's current research and will have access to the educational resources available through the DiscoverGenomics! Science Education Program.