Science Education Partnership
The Science Education Partnership (SEP) has reflected a true partnership between scientists and educators. Since 1991, the SEP has paired research scientists with over 560 secondary school science teachers in Washington State. We believe that teachers and scientists both play a crucial role in promoting a greater understanding of biomedical research in our community and have much to offer one another. Through workshops and a science mentor program, teachers learn molecular biology techniques and participate in laboratory research. SEP also helps mentor scientists hone their teaching skills and learn about middle and high school science education.
Teacher Professional Development
SEP is available for secondary science teachers in Washington State who are interested in learning more about molecular biology and how to bring the latest life science research into the classroom.
Scientists from Fred Hutch or other nearby research institutes are eligible to serve as mentors, including graduate students, post-docs, technicians and other scientific staff.
Teaching Resources
SEP participants have access to the Kit Loan Program developed and maintained by SEP. Thanks to financial support from Fred Hutch and other funders, these kits are available at no cost.
About the SEP Program
Each spring, mentor scientists from Fred Hutch and partner sites select teachers from the applicant pool to participate. Teachers and mentor scientists collaborate to design a research experience tailored to their interests.
This arrangement often leads to partnerships that extend beyond the summer session, including classroom visits by scientists during the school year. Perhaps more importantly, these partnerships have helped to dispel some of the common stereotypes that each group perceives about the other. The diversity of research projects over the past several years has included such topics as protein structure, DNA sequencing, yeast genetics, fruit fly development and oncogenes.
After participating and completing the Summer Session, teachers have access to the SEP's Kit Loan Program, including complete lesson plans, biotechnology equipment and supplies. Technical and scientific support is also available from program staff and scientists at the Hutch.
Our Goals
Professional Development
Provide professional development for teachers to deepen their understanding of life science research, enrich their pedagogical practices and support their growth as teacher-leaders.
Science Learning Resources and Support
Support engaging, challenging and relevant classroom learning experiences for all students by providing access to high-quality instructional materials, resources and cutting-edge science.
Partnerships and Community
Foster relationships between educators and scientists to build a life science community anchored in partnership and mutual learning.
The Science Teacher
We are excited to announce that an article co-authored by SEP staff and SEP teachers Wendy Crocker, Krystal Bass, and Debbie LaZerte has been published in The Science Teacher, the publication for high school science teachers from the National Science Teachers Association. The article, A New Twist on DNA Extraction, focuses on a new way to teach about DNA extraction that emphasizes opportunities for student argumentation and protocol design. ACCESS SEP LESSON and accompanying resources.
SEP on KNKX Radio
The feature highlights the experience of two teachers from our summer 2018 cohort, Blaine Alvarez and Selamawit Bariamicheal, as they worked with mentor Alicia Morales from Dr. Edus Warren's lab at Fred Hutch.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Donors and supporters help ensure the continued vitality of the SEP, allowing science teachers to bring new science techniques and practices to their students. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of cancer researchers and are ensuring a broader understanding of, and support for, scientific research.
Recent Sponsors
2018-2019 school year was generously funded in part by:
Dean Witter Foundation
Inspirus Credit Union
MilliporeSigma
The Trudy Stack Endowment
The STRAWS Foundation
ZymoGenetics/Bristol Myers Squibb
Kit Loan Program Supporters
We acknowledge donations of materials to support our Kit Loan Program from:
Fischer Scientific
New England/Biolabs
SurModics/BioFX
Promega
Rainin
Roche
Scientific Volunteers
Scientists have also provided support through their time and effort, including those from partner organizations. Partner organizations include:
Center for Infectious Disease Research
Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute
University of Washington Department of Genome Sciences
University of Washington/Fred Hutch Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program
University of Washington School of Medicine
