Agricultural Biotechnology Enrichment Program
The objective of this program is to “facilitate the development of an integrated enrichment program that meets the learning outcomes concerning biotechnology in Manitoba Education and Youth Curriculum Framework”.
“Agricultural Biotechnology Enrichment Program” provides equipment, curriculum, and consumable supplies made available to our students and staff as a result of a partnership between Prairie Rose, Pembina Trails, and Monsanto. The value of the contents of the footlocker and related supports used by staff and students is approximately $16,000.
During the time period covering November 23 -- Dec 7, 2007, Carman Collegiate involved approximately 70 students in a variety of exercises using the ABE kit.
For the first time at Carman we offered the opportunity to Grade Eight students. The purpose of this was to highlight the unique opportunities that were available to them in the field of genetic fingerprinting. Popular culture (CSI) has already introduced many of them to concepts related to this field, having access to and the opportunity to use real equipment in a simulation, created a connection between this world of hypothetical possibilities to a more personal reality.
The ability to offer this to Grade Eight students enhanced the inquiry process, as students were able to interpret the results of data collected and draw inferences about those interpretations. For these students our original goal of introducing them to the generalities of this technology was far surpassed as they formulated and were able to create their own extensions, questions and ability to analyze results.
The program offered to the Grade 12 class was far more comprehensive, and student engagement was clearly evident. Students not only gained more basic knowledge about the subject but also demonstrated growth in building relationships and working cooperatively in trying to interpret the results of their work. There was a “different” type of respect shown for laboratory procedures that resulted in behavioral changes as students shared their work and helped each other in a very positive way.
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