New curriculum developed by KALRO Science Centre and BTI aims to excite youth about agricultural biotechnology and help inspire the next generation of plant scientists to sustainably feed the world.
The Alliance for Science (the Alliance) and Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) launched the SciFun Book, part one of a biotechnology program for high school learners.
The SciFun program is designed for middle and high school students and aims to enhance their understanding of biotechnology through hands-on experience in extracting DNA from fruits and vegetables while making observations about the process.
“We are thrilled to help launch the SciFun program and provide learners with an opportunity to explore the world of biotechnology.”
The curriculum for the SciFun program is a collaborative product of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Science Centre and BTI and is funded through grants provided by the Alliance for Science.
Additional support was provided by Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission and Ministry of Education.
“We are thrilled to help launch the SciFun program and provide learners with an opportunity to explore the world of biotechnology,” said Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, Director of Crop Research at KALRO Secretariat who attended the event.
“We believe that this program will not only enhance the learners’ understanding of biotechnology but also inspire them to pursue careers in the field.”
Next generation of scientists
The launch event was attended by the President of BTI, Professor David Stern, stakeholders in the education and agriculture sectors, a group of participating students, teachers, parents, and representatives from the funding organizations.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the SciFun program and receive a copy of the book.
“We are excited to support the SciFun program and contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists,” said Dr. Sheila Ochugboju, Executive Director of the Alliance for Science. We believe that this program is a great example of how partnerships can help advance scientific literacy and promote innovation in agriculture.”
The SciFun Book was developed through a process called co-creation, which brings together many stakeholders to collaboratively guide the product design.
“We need to accelerate advances in biotechnology for crop varieties that produce more food with fewer agrochemicals in our country.”
SciFun was co-created by teachers in Kenya to suit their needs and resources and raise learners’ curiosity through a hands-on, exciting yet challenging process.
“STEM education support is the greatest gift we can give our children,” said Philip Thigo, Executive Director for Africa, Thunderbird School for Global Management which hosts and partners with the Alliance for Science in Kenya. We need to accelerate advances in biotechnology for crop varieties that produce more food with fewer agrochemicals in our country.”
“The advantage of the SciFun lessons is that both students and teachers love it, which enables a fun, interactive approach to learning science,” said Kenneth Monjero, Coordinator of KALRO’s Science Centre Kenya (SCK), who led the development of the SciFun program.
“I highly appreciate all of the partners involved in the SciFun project, and I look forward to the book being adopted not only in Kenya but also across the continent and beyond.”
“We believe that this program is a great example of how partnerships can help advance scientific literacy and promote innovation in agriculture.”
Delanie Sickler, Director of Education and Outreach at BTI, wrote: “At the Boyce Thompson Institute, we strongly believe that plants and plant science research are essential to sustainably feeding a growing population. One of the best ways to ensure we have the brightest minds working on agricultural and environmental solutions for years to come is to get youth excited about plant science and to know that there are many viable career paths. SciFun aims to do that.”
A copy of the book can be found here.
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