StarNet: Research Experiences for Students and Teachers
From 2000 to 2005, the StarNet Project involved teachers and students in authentic research related to drug abuse. In high school classrooms around Seattle and other regions, students used DNA sequencing to look for genetic variation in a gene implicated in smoking behavior.
A workshop participant loads samples onto a DNA sequencing gel.
StarNet provided professional development in the fields of DNA sequencing, genomics, and bioethics for high school teachers. Participating teachers in the Seattle area were provided with the necessary training, equipment, and supplies to conduct DNA sequencing in their classrooms. During our one week summer institute, we also included teachers and scientists from other regions who were interested in developing DNA sequencing programs in their communities.
This project also provided teachers with the opportunity to participate in a 6-8 week summer research experience in a University of Washington lab.
Some of the resources developed in this project can be downloaded from the curriculum section of this website.
StarNet: Research Experiences for Students and Teachers was funded by a Science Education on Drug Abuse Partnership Award (#R25 DA 013180) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which we gratefully acknowledge.