The overriding goals of the program are to place biology teachers in an environment where the creative and dynamic aspects of biology as an experi mental science are emphasized and to provide them with the tools to transfer that environment to their classroom. The course will run for six to eight hours daily, Monday through Friday. Exercises will be evaluated on originality, clarity of concepts, documentation, anticipated level of student interest, and use of the scientific method. During the 2000-2001 academic year, the program staff will be available to aid participants in implementing their proposed exercises in the classroom. The participants will present the results of their efforts to their peers during a required one-day UM symposium for Maryland biology teachers during December, 2000.
Support includes all tuition, fees, books, and field trips.
In addition, teacher-participants will receive a stipend for each day of the General Biology Institute . All biology and life sciences teachers are encouraged to apply to the General Biology Institute. The science supervisors will screen applications and select the participants from each county. Teachers will be notified of acceptance no later than April 14, 2000. Accepted teachers will have to indicate their attendance by April 28, 2000.