DESCRIPTION OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Global Problems, DNA Solutions? Exploring the implications of and uses for DNA technology around the globe.
Dana Haine and Jennifer Murphy, DESTINY, UNC-Chapel Hill's Traveling Science Learning Program
Introducing global, biological issues can be an effective means both to introducing the relevance of DNA technology to students' lives in the 21 st century and to encouraging critical thinking in regards to these global problems and their solutions. Scientists around the world can now capture and manipulate the DNA of many species in their efforts to solve global problems related to health, agriculture, and the environment. During this session, participants will actively isolate their own DNA from cheek cells and will consider the myriad topics and instructional materials that can emerge from this engaging hands-on activity.

2. Natural Disasters
Steve Pierce, NC Geographic Alliance
From hurricanes and tsunami waves to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, natural hazards occur all around the world.  This session will explore where natural hazards happen and their impacts on people and the environment.  Plans for including these issues in science and social studies courses will be provided.

3. Introducing Global Issues in the Curriculum
Lynn Moretz, Central Piedmont Community College
In a project at Piedmont Community College led by Lynn Moretz, faculty modified well over 20 courses to include global issues and content. This session will lead participants through the process, which included two major components: (1) Encouraging/assisting instructors to include global issues in their regular course syllabi, and (2) providing campus-wide speakers on global issues. Forms used with the faculty in the project will be provided. A second facet of the project is community involvement, as the speaker series was successful in attracting people from the community. The presentation will include suggestions for locating speakers, provide a list of speakers and topics, and will demonstrate how to publicize the events locally.

4. The Future of Multimedia is Now: Implications for Science Learning
Caroline Szymeczek, Institute for Science and Learning, UNC-Chapel Hill
This session will feature the newly developed MicroArrays Mediabook, a "textbook for a technology society" using multimedia to engage and guide active learning in science. We will explore the creation and integration of interactive multimedia learning environments in ways that address the growing science learning crisis in our nation, the realities of today's teaching environment, and the needs of a diverse generation of learners. Participants will learn how multimedia can support a variety of learning styles, foster creative thinking, and enhance student learning and interest while providing for real time measurement of these gains.