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Science Partnership Scholars Program Testimonials

It is vital that students understand that they live in a time of dynamic change in all fields of science. When things can be connected to real world situations, things suddenly are more interesting, relevant, and important... [I will] integrate current events in home room, as well as bacteria/viruses and body systems/diseases in Biology [class].

The lab provided will be the ‘start’ in my A.P. curriculum. Lab experience [was] integrated, clear, well designed. [TSRI graduate students] have a freshness and a generosity of spirit. They have a greater knowledge than we do, but share it in a way that really honors us.

Great current issues [presented]— genetically modified food, antibiotic resistance, etc. Things we can use in class the next day [along with] resources on how to get them (i.e. Nature’s cool human genome video and CD)... The program is, by far, the most valuable curricular staff development I have had in my three teaching years.

The labs were an unexpected surprise. Using RasMol, seeing how a mass spectrometer works and analyzing results make the program more meaningful. The combinatorial chemistry lab was slick and packaged so that we could do it in class the next day...I wanted my students to get excited about the kinds of research going on, to look at science through a researcher’s eyes. The grad students and postdocs were very effective [in this way]. They are involved and enthusiastic, and it’s infectious!

I especially enjoyed the hands-on parts of the course. Combi-chem and Forensics were labs I could take right into my classroom. It was ‘icing on the cake’ when we received the chemicals and supplies to do the lab!

As the level of scientific knowledge increases, science teachers continue to teach foundational material. This is important, but science teachers fall behind. This program allows [them] a chance to catch up and get beyond a textbook.

The size of the group promoted lots of discussion and questions… I will use the materials presented in the HIV, microscopy, forensics, visualizing molecules, and cancer seminars with my lessons.

The information was directly applicable to what I teach in order to meet the California State Standards. It was intellectually stimulating and informative, while usually within my ability to understand.

I have shared the curriculum with my life science teachers on site. They are directly using some of the PowerPoint presentations as notes during their classes next year. I am looking forward to using the forensics unit next fall while I am teaching science skills.