Teachers and scientists collaboration-Molecular biology from science to learning in class

Israel is the first country in the world to set itself the objective of exposing Israel`s students to molecular research methods, as a part of the ongoing study of biology in high school labs. The project was born out of the desire to make the study of biology exciting, innovative and relevant to the students` world.

The project`s distinctiveness lies in the fruitful collaboration between scientists specializing in life sciences at universities, the Ministry of Education staff responsible for overseeing the instruction of biology, and The Center for Development and Support for High School Biology Labs at Bar-Ilan University.

A series of user-friendly experiments has been developed for the student, teacher and lab technician on subjects related to molecular biology. The project places a strong emphasis on the instruction of important fundamental concepts in the field, as well as making standard biotechnological methods accessible: from basic lab techniques to molecular work and finally, identification and characterization of a specific gene. This model is appropriate for diverse study topics, from identification of a specific mutation in malignant diseases, to personalized medicine.

The second instruction axis which was developed engages in open inquiry of students in the Wolbachia Project as part of civil science studies. The project incorporates work of teachers, students and academics in Israel, Switzerland and the United States, with the objective of assisting in mapping the global spread of the Wolbachia genus of bacteria, and in order to conduct experiments related to the potential for biological pesticide against mosquitoes.