I am the director if educational initiatives and engagement for Genes in Space, a free science competition for students in grades 7-12. We are excited to announce that the 2018 competition will begin accepting submissions on January 16th. Please help us spread the word by distributing the following announcement (see below) to Council of State Science Supervisors's members.
Additionally, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to contact me at emily@minipcr.com.
Thank you so much for your help!
Sincerely, Emily
Emily Gleason, PhD
Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement at miniPCR
Announcing Genes in Space 2018 – Design and Launch your DNA Experiment to Space!
Calling all students in grades 7 through 12: Pioneer research on the International Space Station by designing your DNA experiment for space. Genes in Space is a science contest that challenges students to design original DNA experiments that address real-life challenges and opportunities of space exploration. The contest is free, and does not require equipment. Proposals will be judged solely on their creative and scientific merit. The winning experiment is conducted in space, and samples are returned to Earth for you to analyze! Submission deadline is April 20th, 2018.
25 teams win a miniPCR DNA Discovery System™ for their educational institutions. Five Finalist teams additionally receive mentoring from Harvard and MIT PhD scientists and receive travel awards to attend the 2018 International Space Station R&D Conference where they will present their ideas to a panel of judges. The winning team will attend Space Biology Camp and watch their DNA experiment launch into space!
Teachers: Turn Genes in Space into a class assignment! Check out the free tools for bringing modern genetic analysis and space biology into your classroom on the Genes in Space Learn page. Resources include interactive videos, classroom activities, and more.