Think Outside the Kit

We provide life science workshops and curriculum resources for middle and high school teachers in the Chicago area.

 

LET US HELP YOU create more engaging, skills-based learning experiences for your students using hands-on life science activities. No prior experience necessary, and we’ll provide the materials and equipment. For free.

Introducing Natalie Bueno

We are excited to introduce our new Program and Partnership Coordinator, Natalie Bueno. She will be leading our new outreach center, Baxter Center North, with Round Lake Area Schools.

What brought you to BCSE?

I loved my work with WISCIENCE, a department that supports STEM education at UW-Madison. So working with BCSE seemed like a great opportunity to connect with students earlier on in their STEM and manufacturing careers.

Who is your favorite Scientist?

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Paul Williams at UW-Madison. He directed the Fast Plant Program which connects people from all backgrounds to fun and interactive STEM activities.

What is your favorite STEM subject?

I love math! It can be difficult at times, but it is rewarding to work through challenges. I also am interested in biological sciences and studied Neurobiology in college.

What teacher had the biggest impact on your life?

My High School Biology teacher- she supported my interests in evolution and genetics. We are still in touch today!

What is a dream you have that you’ve yet to achieve?

I would like to be fluent in three or more languages. As a Chinese, Mexican American, I have had exposure to different languages, however English is the main language spoken in my household.

Professional Development Series

Whether you’re new to teaching life science or you’re a pro looking for more training, we can help you "think outside the kit."

Our professional development workshops, provided at no cost to teachers, give you the chance to try out great lab activities with the help of academic and industry professionals.

Intro to Forensic Biotech

Event Date: Wednesday, May 1st, 5-8pm

Help us investigate crime scenes with candy and DNA gel electrophoresis!

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Intro to Biotech - Lake County

Event Date: June 18 - 20, 2019

New to the Baxter Center? Try this introduction to 21st-century lab skills and practices, including pipetting, culturing bacteria, and DNA gel electrophoresis.

Register now!

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Intro to Biotech - Chicago

Event Date: June 25 - 27, 2019

New to the BCSE? Try this one day introduction to 21st-century lab skills and practices, including pipetting, culturing bacteria, and DNA gel electrophoresis.

Applications for this workshop are being accepted now!

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Baxter Box Loaner Program

We have the supplies and equipment you need to bring cutting-edge life science activities to your classroom.

Teachers who are trained in our professional development workshops are given free access to our Baxter Box materials and equipment loaner program.

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I’M READY TO MAKE A RESERVATION, TAKE ME TO THE FORM

Classroom Support

Doing high-level, hands-on labs with students is always easier with a helping hand.

Once you’re part of the BCSE community you’ve got our support. We offer webinars, video chat "office hours," and an open phone line for you to get the help you need to keep your students engaged with lab activities. We will also visit your classroom to help you implement the labs you learn with us.

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Our Work in the Chicagoland Area

1193
Total teachers trained
882
Baxter Box lab kits distributed
819
Chicago Public School teachers trained
since 2009
100,920
estimated students reached
292
Total schools reached
179
Chicago Public Schools reached
The BCSE allows teachers to stay up to date with the advancement of technology in science. By helping the teachers stay up to date and by providing activities that can be implanted into the classroom, it allows the future generation to have exposure to new developments in biotechnology at a young age. This hopefully will inspire the students to pursue careers in science.
Neshell Graham, Teacher @ Curie Metropolitan High School
The BCSE helps out teachers who teach at schools with limited resources get the resources and instructive know how they otherwise would not be able to obtain.
Jason Holmes, Teacher @ Roberto Clemente High School
Holy moly, this center is GREAT! I appreciate your outreach, enthusiasm, and expertise. It is really amazing to have this kind of access to a research institution and you are all so helpful in making this type of science accessible to our students.
Aparna Puppala, Teacher @ Glenbrook South High School

Our Team

Emily Ferrin, Ph.D.
Program Director & Resident Scientist
Baxter Center for Science Education
Ashley Walter, M.S.
Program & Partnership Coordinator
Baxter Center for Science Education
Natalie Bueno, B.S.
Program & Partnership Coordinator
Baxter Center for Science Education
Amy D. Pratt, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Community Education Partnerships
School of Education and Social Policy
Sachin Pradhan M.S.
Software Developer
Office of Community Education Partnerships
Emily DePalma, M.Ed.
Research Program Coordinator
Office of Community Education Partnerships