New Interlake High School science teacher Beth Gatewood got more than she expected working at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center this summer — not only was she working alongside world-class researchers, she found herself collaborating with longtime Interlake educator Philip Allen.
Over the next 2 1/2 weeks, the pair worked on research projects that they have translated into new genetics and biotechnology curriculum. Not only that, but they developed an invaluable rapport.
“It was absolutely golden to be able to work together with Philip (Allen),” Gatewood said. “You just don’t get this one-on-one time during the school year with other teachers. It will benefit not only us, but our students.”
Allen and Gatewood are two of more than 20 teachers from communities throughout Washington who worked beside scientists in research laboratories through the Science Education Partnership. They joined educators from Seattle, Sammamish, Snohomish, Renton and 11 other cities.
“Our goal is for teachers to bring back what they learn over the summer to help jumpstart their students’ knowledge and perhaps kindle their interest in jobs or careers in science,” said Nancy Hutchison, Ph.D., director of the SEP.
Participating educators also gain access to the SEP’s science-kit loan program. The kits, costing up to $10,000 each, are filled with supplies ranging from the exotic (microcentrifuges) to the mundane (plastic wrap, dishwashing detergent).
“We send out the real thing; these are not kids’ toys,” Hutchison said.
The partnership celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Since it began in 1991, more than 450 teachers have participated and the program has touched the lives of more than 300,000 students.
Students at Interlake High School will reap the benefits of Allen and Gatewood’s research in genetics and biotechnology. Starting with Gatewood’s 9th grade science course, students will isolate plant DNA. Allen’s higher-level courses will move on to developing experiments and comparing the DNA of different plant species.
“Biotechnology is a part of people’s lives now — look at the recent ballot measure on GMOs (genetically modified organisms),” said Allen. “If you don’t understand stuff like that, how can you be a well-informed member of the public?”
