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2009 winner:
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Application Deadline: 9 July 2010
The OGI awards its Genomics Teaching Prize annually to the Ontario secondary school teacher whose teaching best exemplifies OGI’s commitment to building the future of genomics and proteomics research.
The prize
The winning teacher will receive:
- $5,000 in cash
- up to $2,000 in laboratory equipment and/or instructional materials for his/her classroom
- expenses (including costs of a substitute teacher ) to travel to the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) Conference that year to give a lecture on his/her award-winning approach
Who can apply?
This award is open to all senior biology teachers (grades 11 and 12) at Ontario secondary schools. Applicants nominate themselves and must collect and submit all required materials.
Application packages must include:
- completed application form (download here)
- program description (see below for guidelines)
- concise syllabus of genomics-related material/content
- exemplars of students’ work from two class projects
- letters of recommendation - at least two: one from a senior member of the school staff (e.g., department head, principal) and one from a student. Candidates may submit up to three additional letters - including letters from former students.
Program Description
The program description must not exceed four pages (double spaced, 12-point font; approx. 1,000 words) and should include answers to the following questions:
Outline of genomics-related content:
- How do you teach students about genomics as a new approach to research in the life sciences? Describe related content and/or activities.
- Remember: genomics vs genetics. See “What is genomics?” for clarification.
- What are the objectives of this part of your science curriculum? How do these fit into the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum for the grade level(s) you teach?
Program development:
- Who developed this part of your curriculum? When and how?
- How (often) do you update the curriculum?
- How do you keep abreast of developments in genomics (e.g., partners, resources)?
Program effectiveness:
- How do you evaluate students’ understanding of genomics?
- How do you evaluate the program’s effectiveness and impact?
Student participation:
- How many students participated? What grade level(s)?
- Have any of your students gone on to explore genomics-related projects in science fairs or other competitions? If so, were you a coach/adviser? What recognition, if any, did the students receive?
Review process
Completed application packages must reach OGI no later than 26 June 2009, and will receive review by an expert panel that includes:
- a representative from OGI
- a senior Ontario genomics researcher
- a representative of the Ontario Ministry of Education
- up to three Ontario-based science educators
Experts will base their evaluation of candidates on the following criteria:
- demonstrated excellence in stimulating interest in and teaching students about genomics as a new paradigm for life sciences research
- use of innovative teaching and instructional strategies and novel approaches to learning
- focus on student learning and demonstrated impact
- degree of fit within the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum
- demonstration of relevant professional development activities
- commitment to leadership/mentorship in genomics education
OGI will announce the winner in September 2009. The honouree must participate in an awards ceremony that month and present a lecture on his or her award-winning strategy at the STAO Conference in 2009.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us for more information:
Ontario Genomics Institute
101 College St., Suite HL50
Toronto, ON M5G 1L7
info@ontariogenomics.ca
416-673-6587
Past winners
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2008: Mr. Robert Malyk,
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2007: Dr. Danielle Gauci,
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"Genomics in the Classroom," complete with assignment plans and curriculum links, is a collection of teaching packages assembled - and tested in the classroom - by our Prize winners! To download these materials, click here.
