W011

Teaching biotechnology using examples of current New Zealand practice

Jenny Mangan and Diane Dinnis

Abstract

This workshop aims to give technology teachers ideas for incorporating resources on the Biotechnology Learning Hub (www.biotechlearn.org.nz) into their teaching. The workshop will include:

• Exploring the resources on the Biotechnology Learning Hub.
• Showcasing examples of biotechnology in New Zealand.
• Using resources on the Hub to teach technology.
• Ways to explore ethical issues and the social impact of new biotechnologies with your students.

We'll showcase two of the Hub's recent focus stories. The 'Potato plates' focus story, about making biodegradable plates from waste potato starch and the 'Fish oil in functional food' focus story, about enriching foods with omega-3. We'll show you how you could use these in the classroom – you can even taste some omega-3 enriched food.

We'll also explore the ethical issues raised by these new technologies and present ideas for discussing these with your students.

The Biotechnology Learning Hub provides free resources for primary and secondary school teachers. It presents examples of current New Zealand research providing 'real' contexts for teaching technology. Teaching resources are developed by a team of researchers and educators in the School of Education at the University of Waikato. The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology fund the Hub.

Intended Audience

Technology teachers (primary and secondary) with an interest in biotechnology and/or food technology and their impact on society.

Biography

Jenny Mangan has been working as a Content Developer for the Biotechnology Learning Hub since January. She was awarded a New Zealand Science, Mathematics and Technology Teacher Fellowship in 2008 and prior to that was HOD Technology at Hamilton Girls' High School.

Diane Dinnis has managed the Biotechnology Learning Hub for 3 years. She has a background in research and science communication. She has worked as a biotechnologist in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.