Application Deadline: 9 July 2010
OGI awards its Genomics Teaching Prize annually to the Ontario secondary school teacher whose teaching best reflects a commitment to introducing the next generation of Ontarians to the effect of genomics and its many applications, outcomes and socio-economic impacts, as well as our understanding of life at the molecular level.
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 at least one life science educators' conference (e.g. the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) conference, National Bioscience Educators' Conference, etc.) that year to give a lecture on his/her award-winning approach.
Who can apply? - This award is open to all senior science teachers (grades 11 and 12) who comply with the Ontario curriculum at Ontario secondary schools. Applicants nominate themselves and must collect and submit all required materials.
Application packages must include:
- A completed application form (download here)
- A program description (see below for guidelines)
- A concise syllabus of genomics-related content and supporting material
- Exemplars of students’ work from two class projects
- At least two letters of recommendation (and a maximum of five) including: at least one letter from a senior member of the school staff (e.g., department head, principal) which should include confirmation that the applicants approach is consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum; and at least one letter from a student.
Program Description
The program description must not exceed 1000 words and should address the following topics:
Outline of genomics-based 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 is not simply a focus on DNA and proteins, but about a particular methodology (large-scale, systematic and holistic) and the technologies that enable that approach. See “What is genomics?” for clarification
- What are your objectives of this part of your science curriculum? How do these align with the current Ontario Secondary School Curriculum for the grade level(s) you teach?
Program development:
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Who developed this part of your curriculum? When and how?
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How (often) do you update the curriculum?
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How and how often do you keep abreast of developments in genomics (e.g., partners, resources)?
Program effectivenes:
- How do you assess the students’ knowledge of genomics before and after your course?
- How do you assess the program’s overall effectiveness and impact?
- What changes have you made to improve impact from year to year?
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 9 July 2010. Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel that in the past has included:
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A representative from OGI
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A senior Ontario genomics researcher
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A representative of the Ontario Ministry of Education
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Up to three Ontario-based science education experts.
Experts will base their evaluation of the applications on the following criteria:
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A demonstrated excellence in stimulating interest in and teaching students about genomics as a new paradigm for life sciences research
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Use of innovative teaching and instructional strategies as well as novel approaches to learning
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A focus on student learning and demonstrated impact
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Demonstration of relevant professional development activities
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A commitment to leadership/mentorship in genomics education.
OGI will announce the winner in September 2010. The honouree must participate in an awards ceremony that month and present a lecture on his or her award-winning strategy at a life science educators conference in the 2010/11 school year; this and other opportunities to engage the teaching community broadly will be worked out in consultation with OGI.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us for more information:
Kim Riley
Manager, Events and Outreach
Ontario Genomics Institute
101 College Street, Suite HL50
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7
kriley@OntarioGenomics.ca
416-673-6587
Past winners
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2009 winner:
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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.
