SciTech Program Brings New Perspective to Hands-On Labs

Baltimore, MD- The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI), in partnership with the Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program, announced the new SciTech Lab Program schedule for the 2005-2006 school year.

The SciTech program provides elementary, middle and high school students with the opportunity to do hands-on lab activities that mirror current research projects ongoing on at UMBI. This includes programs in areas of marine and environmental science, medical biotechnology, and biosystems. Hands-on lab sessions range from DNA extraction to bioremediation and biosensors, to gel electrophoresis. All of the labs correlate to MSDE’s Voluntary Science Curriculum.

“This type of hands-on bioscience lab experience helps students gain new insight into science and allows them to learn in a lab environment versus a classroom environment,” said Dr. Jennie Hunter-Cevera, President of UMBI. “More than 4,500 students each year participate in these lab programs."

Throughout the school year, 9 different labs are given during various months of the year, and teachers can choose the lab they want their class to attend. SciTech labs are offered during two 2.5 hour blocks, both in the morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and in the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Columbus Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. In addition, teachers can also request that SciTech staff bring certain labs to their respective classes.

For more information, please contact the SciTech Program at (410) 576-5778 or email hildt@umbi.umd.edu or morgen@umbi.umd.edu.

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Celebrating our 20th anniversary year, UMBI is the first and only biotechnology research institute within the University System of Maryland and was established in 1985. The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) consists of five major research and education centers and is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biotechnology. UMBI’s centers of research include: CARB, the Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology located in Rockville; CBR, the Center for Biosystems Research located in College Park; and COMB, the Center of Marine Biotechnology, MBC, the Medical Biotechnology Center, and IHV, the Institute of Human Virology, all located in Baltimore. For more information, visit www.umbi.umd.edu