On April 30, 2023, six elementary school teachers took part in a one-day professional development workshop titled, “Silk Protein Innovation and Novelty (SPIN) program for Florida Elementary School Teachers.” During this workshop, participants collaborated and engaged with scientists using CT-scanning technology to study the ways in which different insects produce different kinds of silk.
Teachers learned how to operate the nano-CT scanner and its associated software to produce three-dimensional images of moths and caddisflies, in order to visualize the internal organs and structures associated with insect silk production.
Learning Goals and Benefits:
Participants gained the following:
- Entomology content expertise and skills
- A chance to network with university researchers and like-minded teachers across the state.
- A $250 stipend for successful completion of the program components.
- Ability to expose students to CT-scanning technology and entomology career paths.
Instructors
- Akito Kawahara, Curator of Lepidoptera, Florida Museum of Natural History
- David Plotkin, Project Manager for the Kawahara Lab, Florida Museum of Natural History
- Ed Stanley, Associate Scientist, Digital Imaging Division at the Florida Museum of Natural History
- Brian Abramowitz, K-12 Education and Outreach Coordinator, Scientist in Every Florida School
Funding Sources
