Hutch Teacher Fellowship Curriculum Showcase #2

The Hutch Teacher Fellow Curriculum Showcase is a three part event with 1-hour virtual workshops on May 6th, 14th, and 19th. You can register to attend one or all three.

Participants in our Hutch Fellowship for Excellence in STEM Teaching (HTF) will share about their teacher-authored curriculum projects for high school science classes. Join us to see for this session to see how two HTF participants translated research experiences into classroom curriculum, get inspired by new ways to bring the topic of cancer into STEM classrooms, and learn more about the HTF program. 

Register

HPV & Virus-linked Cancers and Protein Structure & Brain Cancer in HS Biology Classes

Thursday, May 14, 2026, 4:00-5:00 pm (Zoom).

Presented by Danielle Thal (Northwest School, Seattle, WA) and Alicia Arnold (Shorecrest High School, Shoreline, WA).

Danielle Thal: HPV and Cancer unit (11 lessons + 1 social justice lesson)

Course: HS General Biology (could be used in AP Bio)

Modeled after SEP’s Intro to Cancer: Leukemia & Hina's Story unit storyline, the HPV and Cancer unit explores the link between a virus and cancer. Students learn about viruses and how our immune system creates antibodies to protect us when we are exposed. They learn about the HPV vaccine and they create a Public Service Announcement to teach others about preventing HPV caused cancers. Before participating in this unit, students must have learned about molecules, cells, and transcription/translation of proteins. 

Alicia Arnold: Protein Synthesis and the Brain unit (8 lessons)

Course: HS General Biology (could be used in AP Bio)

This unit, Protein Synthesis and the Brain, is built around students exploring and understanding of DNA, RNA, and their roles in protein synthesis while focusing on the role of proteins involved with neurotransmitter functionality in the brain. Students learn specifically about the roles of dopamine and serotonin enzymes and receptors and how mutations in the DNA code may result in a change in functionality of these and other proteins. Students are also building their understanding of models by utilizing Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s SEP modeling kits: Dynamic DNA, Flow of Genetic Information, and Illuminating Cancer Proteins. There is also the option to incorporate biotechnology by completing a Bacterial Transformation lab and utilizing the Allen Institute's Mouse Brain Atlas. Before participating in this unit, students must have learned about molecules, cells, and the cell cycle.

Date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Start Time:
4 p.m. PDT
Location:
Online

Zoom link will be sent to registered participants before the event.

Contact Information:
sep@fredhutch.org
Audience:
Middle and High School Teachers