Through its annual Genomics Teaching Award (GTA), the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) selected the Ontario senior life science secondary school teacher whose teaching best reflected 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 increasing our understanding of life at the molecular level.

The winning teacher received $5,000 in cash and up to $2,000 in laboratory equipment and/or instructional materials for his or her classroom.  The awardee also presented a lecture on his or her award-winning approach at a life science educators’ conference in the award year.

The following is a compilation of some of their ideas:

• 5-day field trip to McGill, Genome Quebec, IRCM and INRS to expose students to state of the art genomics equipment and current methods
• Connecting students with research scientists to work in their labs through the school year
• Developing novel ways for students to get high school credits for doing research based activities
• Developing Biotechnology IDC courses for Grade 11 and Grade 12 students
• Acquiring genomics equipment from companies and research labs and designed ways to use them in the classroom
• Developing long term partnerships with institutions that can offer experiences that the students cannot get in school to learn from experts in the field of genomics.

The six OGI Genomics Teaching Award recipients are listed below:  

2011Winner: Jacqueline Ross from Thornlea Secondary School. Jacqueline Ross with Dr. Alison Symington, OGI’s VP, Outreach.

2010 Winner: Mr. Glen Kim from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School. OGI’s President and CEO, Dr. Christian Burks (left), Mr. Glen Kim and Dr. Alison Symington, OGI’s VP, Outreach.

 

2009 winner: Mr. Doug Gajic from Centennial CVI, Guelph. OGI’s President and CEO, Dr. Christian Burks (left), with Mr. Doug Gajic.

 

2008: Mr. Robert Malyk, Ridley College, St. Catharines Photo: Mr. Malyk (middle) receiving his award on 3 October 2008, from OGI’s President and CEO, Dr. Christian Burks (left), and Director of Outreach Dr. Shane Green (right).

 

2007: Dr. Danielle Gauci, Northern Secondary School, Toronto Photo: Dr. Gauci receiving her award at the Toronto District School Board meeting on 25 September 2007. From left to right: Dr. Shane Green (Program Director, Ethics, Social Impact and Outreach, OGI); Varla Abrams (principal, Northern Secondary School); Patrick Gauci (son); Dr. Danielle Gauci; Steven Gauci (son); Mike Gauci (husband); and Dr. Christian Burks (President and CEO, OGI).

 

"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.