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1. Who can participate at Regional Biotech?
All teachers and students in the Rio Grande Valley who teach IPC, Biology, Chemistry and HOSA classes are able to participate in our program. |
2. What kind of background do I need to have?
Science teachers will be trained on the biotech modules, so previous knowledge of the skills and techniques utilized is not required. |
3. What do I tell my principal?
You may direct your school's principal to our Education Coordinator to give a run through of the program and to address any issues or concerns he/she may have with regards to the program. |
4. Will it meet the TEKS requirements?
We have correlated the modules to the TEKS required in each class area. |
5. What will it cost to participate?
When a teacher brings a class to our campus, the district will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation of the students. Regional Biotech will cover the cost to the district for hiring a substitute for anytime the teacher is on campus, during school hours, for a Regional Biotech activity. |
6. If I cannot bring my class to UTPA, because it is too far away, can I still participate?
Teachers who are interested in participating in Regional Biotech, but cannot bring their class, due to distance and money conflicts, will still be able to participate in the loan program. The loan program will require a teacher to be trained by Regional Biotech staff to properly conduct the modules.Once a teacher is trained, he/she will be able to obtain all required materials for he module he/she selects. The teacher will contact Regional Biotech two weeks in advance, indicating which module will be presented to the class. Regional Biotech will deliver to the teacher the items required. Regional Biotech will cover shipping cost of the items to the school and back to UTPA. |
7. What kind of help can I expect?
Regional Biotech staff will train teachers, in house, to do the modules and the theory behind them. Regional Biotech staff will be available to answer questions with regards to the modules being presented. When a teacher and class are on campus, members of Biotech will be available to assist the students with regard to issues in the laboratory. |
8. Who do I contact for assistance?
You may contact our Education Coordinator to answer questions with regard to setting up a teacher training session, to set up a classroom session, or if you have any questions regarding the modules. |
9. If I have scheduled to bring a class, but then cannot attend, what do I do?
We will call the teachers the day before they are scheduled to attend the laboratory, to confirm attendance and the number of who students who will be participating on the day of the module. If you are unable to attend, we would appreciate notification, as soon as possible. |
10. I want to participate. Who can I contact?
You may contact our Education Coordinator to answer questions with regard to setting up a teacher training session, or to set up a classroom session or if you have any questions regarding the modules. |
11. If I need help with a scientific question not related to the four modules can I still contact you?
Yes. If there is any question with which we can assist, please keep up in mind that we will be available to support your instruction in the field of Biotechnology. |
12. What is a module?
A module is a specially designed inquiry based laboratory lesson. It is divided into five sections: pre-laboratory engagement, pre-laboratory exploration, pre-lab explanation, an experimental protocol, and post-laboratory extension exercise. |
13. From whom do I get the Modules?
Regional Biotech will issue the modules to partner teachers who have received training. Modules will also be provided to teachers interested in what the program has to offer them. |
14. Why only thirty (32) students?
Thirty-two students is the maximum number of students who can be instructed comfortably and safely in the Regional Biotech laboratory. |
15. Where is Regional Biotech?
Regional Biotech is housed in the Health Sciences and Human Services Building 2.150 at the University of Texas-Pan American. |
16. Why do I need a substitute?
Since the Regional Biotech laboratory can only accommodate thirty students, the teacher's attending the program will need to leave a substitute at his/her home base to cover the rest of his/her classes. To facilitate this we will pay the district. The teacher will also need a substitute when he/she comes in for a training session. |
17. Can you train teachers during the school year?
Yes. Teachers will be trained during the regular school year. If interested please contact our Education Coordinator. We will provide substitute pay to the district to facilitate the training. |
18. Can I still bring my class to the Regional Biotech lab if I have not attended the training?
Yes. In the event that you wish to bring your class to Regional Biotech and have not been able to schedule a training session, Regional Biotech staff will be able to teach your classes. This will provide you training in that module. |
19. Can in-service training be provided at our schools?
Yes. We are able to provide in-service training. If you would like to participate in this training, please contact our Education Coordinator to schedule one with your faculty. |
20. Who will provide lunches?
School districts will be responsible for providing the students' meals. |
21. Who will cover the cost of travel to Regional Biotech?
School districts will be responsible for providing travel for the student's attending Regional Biotech. |
22. What does a teacher need to do before bringing his/her class to the Regional Biotech lab?
A teacher will need to trained by The Regional Biotech staff. The teacher will give the students a pre-test, which we will provide, and introduce the module using, the pre-lab curriculum supplement. |
23. How long does training take?
During the summer months, training will take one week. During the school year, training will be two modules per day. The teacher will have a choice as to which module he/she would like to. |
24. How long will the students be on campus?
Teachers should expect to be at the university a half day, either from 9:00 am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-3:00pm. See calendar for the appropriate times and dates. |
25. Can private schools and home schoolers participate?
Yes. We welcome and encourage your participation. Some modifications of the normal process can be done if necessary. In order to accommodate you, please contact our Education Coordinator for assistance. |