DNALC director David Micklos and other educators at the DNALC will lend their expertise to the Singapore Science Centre (which focuses on student activities and public outreach) and to the National Institute of Education (which provides pre- and in-service teacher training and classroom support), with the aim of improving genetics education throughout Singapore.
"The collaboration represents a unique experiment in science education - to see just how quickly a school system the size of Chicago's can gear up for the gene age," Mr. Micklos said. "With motivated students, devoted teachers and parents, a strong school authority, and excellent computer infrastructure, Singapore is poised to infuse hands-on biotechnology instruction into many levels of its education system. I am certain that they will succeed in developing a biology education system second to none. I'm thrilled to be involved."
Growing leaps and bounds since its independence in 1965, Singapore is now ranked fifth in world economies and is poised to surpass Hong Kong as the center of Asian banking and commerce. As a center for manufacturing and high technology, Singapore is devoted to developing the minds of its people. In the past, the rigorous educational system has emphasized engineering and the physical sciences over the biological sciences. With the promotion of Life Sciences as one of the "four pillars" of Singapore's manufacturing sector has come a concerted effort to improve life sciences education.
The DNALC will advise the Ministry of Education on the establishment of infrastructure to support the teaching and learning of the life sciences, developing the curric
'"/>
Contact: Lisa M. Becker
becker@cshl.edu
516-367-8489
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
29-Jul-2002