OSGC Educational Resources Blog

Astrobiology Techniques: A research-based laboratory course for Pre-Service and In-Service Science Teachers

Offered by: Portland State University, Department of Geology July 28 – August 1, 2008

Details:
G410/510, Astrobiology Yellowstone Techniques - 2 credits
Lab Fee: $50 – covers chemicals and electron microscope beam time
Undergraduate Tuition Fees: $375 for 2 credits
Graduate Tuition Fees: $701 for 2 credits

Course Description:
The field of astrobiology focuses on the search for early life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets. The Cady Research Group ( http://cadylab.pdx.edu/ ) investigates how life leaves an imprint on the rock record. This course will focus on laboratory techniques used to detect fossil signatures left by microorganisms. Specifically, we will examine samples acquired from Yellowstone National Park using the optical light microscope (OLM) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Lectures will cover fundamental concepts in astrobiology and microscopy. Laboratory projects will focus on samples gathered during the Yellowstone field trip, and will give students hands-on experience in OLM and SEM techniques. Class discussions will also consider methods to incorporate Astrobiology concepts and laboratory techniques into K-12 science curriculum. The final assignments, due Aug 8, are to write a short research report and draft a K-12 astrobiology lab. Contact Professor Sherry Cady - (503)725-3377, cadys@pdx.edu and/or Dr. Rick Hugo - (503)725-3356, hugo@pdx.edu for more information.

Astrobiology in Yellowstone National Park: A research experience for
Pre-Service and In-Service Science Teachers

Offered by: Portland State University, Department of Geology on July 8-15, 2008

Details:
G410/510, Astrobiology in Yellowstone 2 or 4 credits (graduate or undergraduate)
Trip Dates: July 8-15, 2008 Official course dates: July 7-25, 2008
Trip Fee: $725 – covers transportation to Yellowstone, meals and camping fees (tuition fees extra)
Undergraduate Tuition Fees: $375 for 2 credits or $602 for 4 credits
Graduate Tuition Fees: $701 for 2 credits or $1254 for 4 credits

Course Description: The field of astrobiology focuses on the search for early life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.  The Cady Research Group ( http://cadylab.pdx.edu/ ) investigates how life leaves an imprint on the rock record. In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of field and microscopy techniques used to detect signatures left by microorganisms.  We will travel to hot springs in Yellowstone National Park to study the formation of microbial fossils in hot spring environments.  Participants will conduct original research projects related to current research questions posed by NASA with regard to Mars exploration.  We will also discuss methods to incorporate this multidisciplinary field into K-12 science curriculum.  Assignments, due after returning from the field, are to write a short field research report and draft a K-12 lab or field activity.  The 4-credit version will also require you to prepare a complete curriculum module to share with others.  All students must be prepared to hike 5-6 miles/day on moderate trails, carrying light to moderate loads.

Contact Professor Sherry Cady - (503) 725-3377, cadys@pdx.edu and/or Dr. Rick Hugo - (503)725-3356, hugo@pdx.edu for more information.

The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program provides opportunities each year for nine or 10 interns to undertake research at NASA research centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. The pursuit of such studies is expected to broaden the base of this new science by encouraging people in many different fields to take part.

Students accepted in the PBI program will be expected to carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks, usually during the summer months. Typical programs in which interns may become involved include: global ecology and remote sensing; microbial ecology and bio-mineralization; advanced life support; and origin and early evolution of life.

Applications are due March 3, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/pbi.html

Follow the growth of cinnamon basil seeds on the International Space Station with a gallery of images documenting the experiment from its very beginning. The gallery features images of astronaut Clayton Anderson’s 20-day in-orbit experiment, including close-up views of the plants’ growth. Students participating in the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber can compare the growth of the plants on the space station with the growth of plants in their own growth chambers.   Visit the  following website to view the gallery and find more information about the NASA challenge.  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plant-growth-gallery-index.html

BioEd Online provides a series of educational units for grades 4-8 highlighting each of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s (NSBRI) research areas. Subsequent units, developed by Baylor College of Medicine, will give students the opportunity to investigate each NSBRI research area.

Established in 1997 through a NASA competition, the National Space Biomedical Research Institute is a consortium of 12 institutions working to prevent or solve health problems related to long-duration space travel and prolonged exposure to microgravity. The group’s primary mission objective is to ensure safe and productive human space flight.

Lesson Plans are availabe as downloadable PDF files. Please visit the website at the following link http://www.bioedonline.org/resources/nsbri.cfm  

BioEd Online offers slides, lesson plans and activities to translate cutting-edge information into the classroom. Developed by Baylor College of Medicine, site also includes streaming video presentations.

Recent topics included water cycles and nutrition, as well as answering such questions as why our ears pop and what causes an ice cream headache. For more information, go to  http://www.bioedonline.org/k-5/