The cutting-edge science found in industry is often far beyond what teachers have been trained in. In addition, the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of molecular biology makes it difficult for teachers to implement this content in the classroom. ABE supports science by providing opportunities for teachers to understand advances in the field and bring this content to students.
ABE provides teachers with curriculum, professional learning, and the loan of research-grade equipment to bring biotechnology learning to their students, all at no cost. ABE professional learning increases teachers’ capacity to implement ABE effectively, while growing their leadership capacity as science educators. To support ABE’s global teacher community, teacher learning resources are versatile: professional learning may be accessed online, in person, or in a blended package to expand reach and scale and allow greater flexibility in use. Through customizable blended learning modules, teachers gain an understanding of the structure, key concepts, and central lab techniques of the ABE curriculum; the content and skills in each lab; supports for student inquiry; and connections to cutting-edge technologies and discoveries, as well as access to a vibrant community of practice. Students gain an understanding of key biology concepts as well as real-world biotech applications and careers.
From its humble beginnings, in which Amgen scientists worked with teachers to bring biotech to classrooms in their local area, the program has evolved into its current form: a thriving and dynamic international science education collaborative. ABE has served over 750,000 students and over 1,700 teachers to date; the program operates in 22 program sites across 13 countries, serving more than 1,500 teachers and 90,000 students each year. The ABE community develops and shares just-in-time learning resources as well as locally-developed materials and ideas, while ensuring they are accessible, high quality, and support learning outcomes. By design, ABE’s unique model builds a vibrant science education community of practice where teachers can learn from one another.
ABE is available in select communities. Interested teachers can contact their local program site, and then register to attend a training, which is required before they can borrow the ABE equipment. However, all teachers have access to the ABE curriculum and resources on our website, as well as a set of relevant assets on LabXchange: https://www.labxchange.org/library/clusters/lx-cluster:abe.
