Scientists Collaborative Project with Educators (SCoPE)

The toolkits have been designed to bring contemporary research into GCSE and A-level classrooms in ways that support the current biology curriculum.

The toolkits include:
1. he Cell Explorer: online interactive 3D model allowing students to investigate the structure of eukaryotic cells, their organelles and cellular processes. This online resource includes a 3D model of an animal cell and a plant cell and 3D interactive animations of cell division.
2. Explore Epigenetics: toolkit for teaching epigenetics at A-level (or equivalent)
3. Fruit Fly Larvae Dissection: dissection toolkit for teaching about the size and scale of cells, tissues and organs.
4. Unlocking Genetic Editing: team-based puzzle-solving activity for reviewing transcription, translation, the structures of DNA and RNA and introducing gene editing
(Toolkits 3 & 4 are physical kits that can be rented free of charge subject to availability).

The Gurdon Institute are working with educators to further expand the resources and toolkits available.

In addition to helping teach the required curriculum, we hope these toolkits will enable students to think critically about science, understand the value and relevance of the topics they are studying, and see research as a pertinent and attractive career choice.

Through the co-creation process, we hope we have fostered the development of a professional network between scientists and teachers, allowing scientists to develop a greater understanding of how their research fits in with and is perceived by the education system and enabling teachers to deepen their knowledge of fundamental biology and current research techniques.

This project was funded by Wellcome. Its process and outcomes are being evaluated by the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education. The Gurdon Institute Public Engagement Team coordinated the project.

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