Changemakers

Graphical Abstract

Through a business funded collaborative, this Research Experience for Teachers program involves businesses, schools, and a museum to give teachers first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to do science in the corporate research world by giving them the opportunity to work with scientists in their labs. The museum partner assists the teachers to translate what they do in the research lab into their classroom practice, building student understanding of science, creating experiences for students to think and work like scientists, and highlighting potential pathways to STEM-related careers.

Abstract

Stephanie Spiris is a 12-year veteran teacher at George Washington High School in Denver, teaching courses in biomedical science (Figure 1). Last year, Spiris spent four weeks in a summer internship at Terumo BCT, a medical device company that focuses on blood processing for medical treatment and care. Decked in full lab gear and ready to learn, Spiris worked in a sterile lab, conducting projects that allowed her firsthand experience with tasks such as separating t-cells from blood and freeze-drying plasma.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Robert Payo ([email protected]) is teacher programs coordinator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado.

Meg John ([email protected]) is the program director of the Colorado Bioscience Institute in Denver, Colorado.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert Payo

Robert Payo ([email protected]) is teacher programs coordinator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado.

Meg John

Meg John ([email protected]) is the program director of the Colorado Bioscience Institute in Denver, Colorado.