We're in a great community with an incredible workforce and have easy access to corn and soybeans. In addition, only one-half of the available space on our site is currently in use, offering potential for expansion. The latter development resulted from a collaboration with four companies in the chemical and biotechnology industry. Genencor is a member of the Iowa Biotechnology Association. Educators can build their knowledge about biotech, get some hands-on laboratory experience, earn graduate or staff development credits, and trade teaching tips with their colleagues.
Stipends are available for each workshop to help teachers cover their expenses.
Master biotechnology teacher Mike Zeller from the Woodward-Granger school district will teach four of the biotechnology education workshops. In addition to instruction by Zeller, guest speakers will interact with participants. The workshops will benefit new teachers, as well as serve as a refresher course for teachers who have attended a biotechnology workshop in the past. Debbie Curry, an extension youth development specialist, is scheduled to teach the school enrichment workshop for teachers of grades 6 through 8. This workshop will provide hands-on experience for teachers with the Biotechnology School Enrichment Curriculum available through ISU Extension.