UConn Extension has made available a standards-based curriculum aimed at addressing the misunderstandings about genetically modified foods.  This curriculum, aimed toward science and agriscience educators, provides information about the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture and other fields.  Both a formal and non-formal curriculum are available.  The non-formal curriculum is a great tool that could be used in 4-H programming or other non-formal settings. Both the curriculum and workshop are free.  The curriculum can be found at gmo.uconn.edu

If you’d like a deeper dive with some hands-on lab time, a one-day professional development workshop will be held Monday, December 11th, 2023 at the UConn Storrs Campus from 9 AM – 3 PM.

Participants of the workshop will gain enhanced genetic engineering knowledge and lab skills, a demonstration kit & materials, and the curriculum, which provides students with a fundamental understanding of how genetically modified organisms are formed and how they can be safely utilized.

Workshop participants must be certified science or agriscience educators with three years or more of teaching experience preferred.  They should also be teaching one or more courses in the upcoming school year that include genetic engineering.

Interested parties in the workshop should visit s.uconn.edu/gmoworkshop2023 to apply.  Space is limited. Registration will close on December 1st.

Questions can be directed to Jennifer Cushman, 4-H Extension Educator – Jennifer.cushman@uconn.edu

Participants are expected to be in attendance in person during the duration of the workshop and agree to implement one or more lessons from the curriculum during the 2023-2024 school year.