The Zebrafish Summer Institute (ZSI) is an exceptional professional development workshop for science educators teaching grades 6 through 12. This 3-day hybrid workshop aims to provide educators with hands-on experience(s) in authentic scientific experimentation using zebrafish. Zebrafish research is a cutting-edge area of biomedical science because these fish share 70% of their genes with humans. Over 1,000 laboratories worldwide are employing zebrafish to understand complex diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy. The ZSI leverages these benefits to ignite a passion for scientific inquiry in students and to help them comprehend the connections between science and their everyday lives.
This summer, the ZSI has set its sights on creating a bigger impact. The Institute aims to expand its reach in Texas by inviting 15 secondary science teachers who teach 25% or more English learners in grades 6-12. By doing this, the Institute will be able to inspire 4,500 students and help teachers educate the next generation of science enthusiasts. To achieve this goal, the Institute is focusing on teacher recruitment, classroom and lab supply costs, ongoing teacher support, and support for the ZSI director.
