Inquiry-based science education in metal polluted areas in Peru: training teachers how to teach science by the use of biosensors
Breakout Session 4
Project
Erasmushogeschool Brussel / UPCH, Lima, Peru
January 2020- February 2022
This
project aims to provide a proof-of-concept on how to improve science
education in Peru by training teachers on developing student's inquiries
about local pollution using biotechnology. The Ministry of Education
(MINEDU) has recently adopted a new curriculum centered on the skills
for scientific inquiry; however, because Peruvian scientific development
and education are ranked among the lowest of the continent, there is a
need for examples and training on how to teach in an inquiry-based way.
Therefore, we want to develop a training course for teachers on
student-centered research projects using biosensors for the detection of
heavy metal pollution.
Besides improving educational practices, we expect to create awareness on pollution, display the potential benefit of biotechnology, inspire and empower teachers. The sustainability of these activities will rely on a network of University researchers committed to collaborate with high-school education, the constant coordination with key actors of the MINEDU and the possibility to deploy a follow-up Citizen Science program on detecting heavy metal pollution. The educational part of the project. How we organized the courses. How we engaged local partners. How the project is perceived. How we maintain contact and follow up the achievements of the local partners.
Speakers
Tom Peeters
Tom Peeters is a researcher and appointed lecturer biotechnology & microbiology associated with the bachelor program Biomedical Laboratory Sciences at Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Belgium. Tom got his PhD in Biotechnology at KULeuven (Belgium) where he elucidated signal transduction pathways in yeast. As a post-doctoral researcher at UPF (Spain) he genetically rewired yeast cells to behave as logic gates for biocomputing. It's there that he developed his enthusiasm for the fascinating field of synthetic biology.
As a researcher his interests include applied biotechnology, synthetic bio, STEAM education and bio-art. He enjoys collaborating with his students and research partners on these topics
Daniel Guerra