We’re located in southern California and we are continually impressed with the quality and availability of STEM education in our region and state. While we know there is a need for more STEM learning programs and opportunities, we are excited to see students learning through hands-on lab experiments using gel electrophoresis.
With that in mind, we set out to meet with several of our regional customers to speak with them about their classroom experience with the MiniOne System. We were fortunate enough to be able to speak with numerous teachers and students about their experience with the MiniOne System. (We also wanted to see if they were interested in a new investigational foodborne outbreak forensic kit that we are working on – more on that in a future post).
Our first stop took us to see Winnie Litten, AP and Honors Biology teacher at Oak Park High School. We learned Winnie’s students are embracing the MiniOne and she told us that students were seeking more investigational lab opportunities using the MiniOne.
Our next visit took us to Adolfo Camarillo High School to visit with Shannon Klemann, AP Biology teacher and science enthusiast. Shannon’s energy about lab experiments using gel electrophoresis is infectious. Her approach encourages the development of student critical thinking skills and collaboration skills. We’re hoping she will share a blog soon about her experience incorporating gel electrophoresis into her curriculum.
Jocelyn White, AP Biology teacher, Pacifica High School, was able to meet with us to share her student’s experience with the MiniOne System. The design is working in their labs so much so that she wants to do more lab work! They are currently participating in the Amgen Biotech Experience. Students learn basic lab skills as well as gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments, make recombinant DNA and perform bacterial transformation experiments. Through this series of labs, students will become proficient in the exact lab skills that are necessary in the biotechnology industry.
Overall it was a tremendous day. We even had an opportunity to speak with some students and also watch some students present their findings about gel electrophoresis in one class. It’s clear these teachers are doing it right!
Next stop a few of our southern California college customers…
