MI DNA Day: Who we are Michigan DNA Day is an annual event where scientists visit high schools across the state to present interactive, hands-on lessons about genetics, genomics, and biotechnology We provide a unique opportunity for high school students to meet and interact with early-career scientists, which often clarifies misconceptions of what a scientist looks like and breaks down barriers for students to follow scientific career paths Extension of National DNA Day NC DNA Day

MI DNA Day: How it works University of Michigan base Housed under the Department of Human Genetics Members help run organization Trainees, faculty, staff Finances, recruitment, curriculum, marketing, etc. Scientist Ambassadors All scientists welcome Bachelor’s or higher UM and universities/institutions across Michigan Host teachers High school science teachers across Michigan Emphasis on underserved communities with limited science exposure

4. Classroom visit on/around DNA Day (April 25) 1. Sign-up (online) Choose module(s) Provide dates & times Describe class Sign-up individually or with a partner Can choose module(s) to teach Must provide own transportation Scientist Ambassador Host teacher (DNA Day team) 2. Matching 3. Prep materials Match 2 scientists per classroom Prepare and distribute teaching materials, gas card, etc. 4. Classroom visit on/around DNA Day (April 25) Scientists coordinate with host teacher Present modules Talk about own scientific path

Our curriculum

Reactions from MI DNA Day 2017 From Scientist Ambassadors From Host Teachers “Talking to kids about DNA always gets me more excited about what I do!” “Seeing the "a-ha!" moments from students in the classroom” “I liked that everything was well-structured but there was also room for creativity and our own style” “Interacting with future scientists” “The presenters were great! They did an awesome job explaining content, making a hands on activity, and sharing their research experiences.” “As a classroom teacher - I struggle with finding relevance for my students - I like science for the sake of science, not all of them do - having real world professionals working in the field helps students find relevance and make connections.”

MI DNA Day 2018 and beyond Support and promote Expand Encourage your scientist friends to participate Expand Contact colleagues at other MI institutions Recruit host teachers Focus on underserved communities

Benefits of UM Library mentors Defined educational objectives for each module Defined MI DNA Day group objectives Outreach, promoting science is our main goal Teaching content is secondary Strategies for measuring outcomes

Thank you! Support Leadership board UM Library Student Engagement mini-grant UM Medical School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion initiative mini-grant Sponsorship by Department of Human Genetics Resources through Center for Educational Outreach Our scientist ambassadors Chairs of Finance Bailey Peck, PhD (post-doc, Surgery) Curriculum Julie Phillippe (PhD student, Pharmacology) Recruitment Beatriz Otero Jimenez (PhD student, EEB) Robert Porter (MD/PhD student, Human Genetics) Social media/website Rebecca Pollet, PhD (post-doc, Microbiology) Marketing Molly Choi (PhD student, EEB)

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