CHARTING FUTURES

Education andThe New Genetics

Suzanne CoryWalter and Eliza HallInstitute of Medical Research

20/5/04

GTAC Gene Technology Access Centre

Partners

•The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

•Dept of Microbiology & Immunology, Uni Melb

•The University High School

•Dept of Education and Training

Origins

• DNA Learning CentreCold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY

• DNA Science Workshop 1996-2000Summer Workshop, WEHI /Uni MelbournePD for VCE Biology TeachersDNA lab course + lectures178 graduates

Goals

• To excite young people about science and a research career

• To enrich delivery of science in the classroom

• To increase genetics literacy of teachers, students and the wider community

• To facilitate informed debate about new ethical, legal and societal issues

GTAC Pilot Program 2001-2003

• Partnership with University High School• DET Funding -Science in Schools Strategy• Project Officer - Brian Stevenson• DNA Science classroom workshops for

Victorian secondary school students • One day lab workshops for teachers,

teachers-in-training • Lectures from eminent researchers

Student participation at GTACStudent attendances at GTAC Workshops

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Number of Students

Primary-Y7

Year 9 & 10

VCE

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004-booked

GTAC House

• Location: University High School, Parkville• Funding: DET,Philanthropy • Architect: Tectura Pty Ltd • Construction Jan 2003- Feb 2004• First classes May 2004

Teaching labs, lecture theatre, gallery space, officesmeeting room,

Collaborations

• Cooperative Research Centres

• Melbourne Museum

• Department of Genetics, Uni Melb

• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

• Genetech

GTAC works with a variety of like minded groups

‘GTAC Magic’

• Hands-on • Research quality equipment• Role models - PhD student demonstrators

“Small groups with demonstrator make it easier to understand concepts.”“I learned stuff (which was a first).”“I got a better understanding of the biotech stuff.”“I learnt a great deal today, more than all year. A big pay rise for Hayley and

Melissa is in order”.“Better than School bio, made more sense.”“Sooo much better than School.”

Future Goals

• Empowering primary school teachers• Public lectures on important bio issues• Workshops for professionals• Seamless genetics curriculum P-12• Integrating with maths, physics, chemistry eg

bioinformatics• National programs