The undergraduates participating in this course receive training in the relevant science and technology, and then they assist in kit assembly and classroom presentations. The unique personal and educational histories of these volunteers provide interesting perspectives to program development and stimulating role models for the high school students. Teachers prepare their students prior to doing the experiments by covering the appropriate background material in class, including the structure of DNA, the cell cycle and DNA replication. During the experiment, the teacher leads the students through the introductions, experimental procedures, and discussions of questions and results. The supporting scientist may team teach, depending on the style and preference of the teacher.
Teachers are the major presenters during training workshops.
In setting up a new site, the scientist will need to play a major role in writing grants for supporting funds. Depending on the size of the operation, a university lab or biotechnology company may be able to provide most of the necessary equipment from their stock. A list of equipment, supplies and the suppliers is provided. The assembly of the equipment and supply kits is the responsibility of the supporting scientist. This includes preparing and aliquoting reagents for each student group, pouring gels and ensuring that all the necessary materials are packed into the kit.