OGI Genomics Teaching Award

Nomination forms due:  April 2, 2012

Application deadline: May 16, 2012

OGI awards its Genomics Teaching Award 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 increasing our understanding of life at the molecular level.

Each of our award winning teachers has taken a different approach to teaching Genomics in the classroom. 

These are a compilation of some of their ideas:-

• 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 Award

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 may nominate themselves or may be nominated by their principal/science department head or fellow life science teacher. 

Application packages must include:

• A completed application form (download here) or nomination 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 1,000 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:

• Who developed this part of your curriculum? When and how?
• How (often) do you update the curriculum?
• How and how often do you keep abreast of developments in genomics (e.g., partners, resources)?

Program effectiveness:

• 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

Nominations must reach OGI no later than 2 April 2012 (NOTE: nominee must complete application package due to OGI no later than 16 May 2012.  OGI will contact nominee regarding nomination).

Completed application packets must reach OGI no later than 16 May 2012.

Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel that in the past has included:

• A representative from OGI
• A senior Ontario genomics researcher
• A representative of the Ontario Ministry of Education
• Up to three Ontario-based science education experts.

Experts will base their evaluation of the applications on the following criteria:

• A 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 as well as novel approaches to learning
• A focus on student learning and demonstrated impact
• Demonstration of relevant professional development activities
• A commitment to leadership/mentorship in genomics education.

OGI will announce the winner in September 2012. The honouree must participate in an awards ceremony to be arranged following the announcement and present a lecture on his or her award-winning strategy at a life science educators’ conference in the 2012-13 school year; this and other opportunities to engage the teaching community broadly will be worked out in consultation with OGI.

Questions?

Please contact us for more information:

Kimberly Riley
Manager, Events & Outreach
Ontario Genomics Institute
101 College Street, Suite HL50
Toronto, ON M5G 1L7
kriley@OntarioGenomics.ca
416-673-6587

2011 Winner: Jacqueline Ross from Thornlea Secondary School. Jacqueline Ross (left) 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 winner: 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 winner: 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.