title: BIOINFORMATICS IN THE K-8 CLASSROOM: DESIGNING INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHER IMPLEMENTATION.
abstract: At the intersection of biology and computer science is the growing field of bioinformatics-the analysis of complex datasets of biological relevance. Despite the increasing importance of bioinformatics and associated practical applications, these are not standard topics in elementary and middle school classrooms. We report on a pilot project and its evolution to support implementation of bioinformatics-based activities in elementary and middle school classrooms. Specifically, we ultimately designed a multi-day summer teacher professional development workshop, in which teachers design innovative classroom activities. By focusing on teachers, our design leverages enhanced teacher knowledge and confidence to integrate innovative instructional materials into K-8 classrooms and contributes to capacity building in STEM instruction.
authors.affiliation: New Mexico State University.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shuster
authors.affiliation: Las Cruces Public Schools.
authors.forename: Kira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Claussen
authors.affiliation: Las Cruces Public Schools.
authors.forename: Melly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Locke
authors.affiliation: Indiana University.
authors.forename: Krista
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Glazewski