DESTINY Professional Development Programs

Every year, DESTINY holds workshops around the state that provide training and materials to teachers and enable them to use or adapt DESTINY curricula in their own classrooms.

DESTINY's innovative curriculum encourages students to think critically and creatively, shows them the relevance of science to their lives, and furthers their understanding of the world around them. All of DESTINY's curriculum modules are interdisciplinary in order to encourage students to develop their writing and math skills and to help them make connections between science and the humanities.

DESTINY's curricula are aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the National Science Education Standards.

Professional development is offered during each summer. To see the workshop schedule for summer 2011 and learn about registration, please visit this page in spring 2011. Need a reminder? E-mail destiny@unc.edu and request to join the announcement listserv.

All of DESTINY's active curricula are listed here. However, DESTINY offers training only in its most recently-developed curriculum modules.

Training is available currently in these DESTINY curricula for high schools:

• "Biological Bodyguards"
  Students examine the vital role that the body's immune system takes to fight illness and prevent disease. They use a simulated viral extract and perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen hypothetical patients.

• "Brand Name Genes"
  This module focuses on an important biotechnology process, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and how it is used to detect the genetic defect that can lead to breast cancer.

• "Get A Clue"
  Students assume the role of forensic scientists to analyze drops of "blood" and other evidence found at crime scenes, using DNA restriction analysis.

• "The State We're In"
  Students perform a bioassay experiment using Daphnia, an indicator species, to detect and assess what would be considered a harmful level of a toxic chemical. They analyze their data to make effective presentations in support of clean-water legislation regarding North Carolina's mountain, piedmont and coastal regions. This curriculum is not eligible for a DESTINY school visit.