DDPSC Education Research Lab

We have created a new page on the Danforth Center website dedicated to all of the authentic research experiences (AREs) and course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) offered by our lab! Check it out here:

Authentic Research Experiences and CURES Authentic Research Experiences engage student scientists in foundational research happening at the Danforth Center. Learn more.

New job listing from our lab: Urban Ag and STEM Educator

Description: The Education Research and Outreach Laboratory (EROL) at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position to coordinate and plan K-12 STEM+AG activities for the Jackie Joyner Kersee Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition (JJK FAN) Innovation Center in collaboration with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Centers (DDPSC) Education Research and Outreach Laboratory (EROL). For more information on the JJK FANs STEM and Ag curriculum with authentic research experiences for K- 12 students in genetics, molecular biology and image analytics, please visit https://www.danforthcenter.org/news/partnership-connects-urban-youth-to-careers-in-ag-and-food-innovation/.

For more information and the application: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=38576&clientkey=0386834D209CD1EA462A147F53A126FF

Urban Ag and STEM Educator The Education Research and Outreach Laboratory (EROL) at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking a highly motivated...

This summer, seven high school students attended the virtual 3D plant modeling internship funded by an NSF-ITEST grant. The students were trained in the use of 3D modeling software and worked in teams to create plant models. The students chose to design models of Volvocine algae and the common milkweed. They investigated biological content for species and their importance to Danforth Center research. During an in-person meeting, the students were exposed to augmented and virtual reality experiences using zSpace and Oculus and were beta testers of a computer video game about plant cells fighting drought. At the end of the internship, the students presented their projects to Danforth scientists.

The Danforth Center's Mutant Millets outreach program continues to successfully connect scientists with teachers and students. We are excited to share the first of many publications on Setaria mutants from this long lived program: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2021.83.5.311

Our summer educator training went off without a hitch last week and left us even more excited for the next one! These pictures are from the Plants Fight Back session, a workshop hosted in collaboration with the Shah Lab at the
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Last week, Taylor Harris met with students at the JJK FAN-I Center to talk about her career in agricultural science - check out these pictures of the discussion and their time in the greenhouse!

Next month, we are hosting a summer STEM workshop in plant biology!

June 21 - 24, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM each day
CityPlace Building, Cypress Room 2nd floor
Formal and informal educators are encouraged to register!

To register, complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFVtnS73GmcRMDZcQLbuMkcZFJ-amT1_TLhT0gBzYYFmtiNA/viewform

To download this event flyer, visit our Wordpress page: https://ddpscerl.home.blog/2021/05/11/summer-stem-workshop-in-plant-biology/

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

In the course of our work, our lab has had the pleasure of meeting countless teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty to support their students. Without these teachers and their dedication to providing the best education, our work would not be possible. Thank you, teachers!

In the final installment of Kaitlyn Ying's Danforth STEAM Tale, we rejoin aliens Mendel and Darwin as they make some important observations that may help them navigate through the corn fields surrounding them...(Check each image for captions containing the story's dialogue!)

This tale was created to highlight the Genotype-to-Phenotype Research with Corn, a program students can participate in from home or in the classroom. To learn more, contact us or visit the following link: https://www.danforthcenter.org/.../plant-genotype-to.../

In this Danforth STEAM Tale by Kaitlyn Ying, we follow two alien creatures as they try to make sense of their surroundings after crash-landing in a corn field on Earth...(Check each image for captions containing the story's dialogue!)

This tale was created to highlight the Genotype-to-Phenotype Research with Corn, a program students can participate in from home or in the classroom. To learn more, contact us or visit the following link: https://www.danforthcenter.org/our-work/education-outreach/k-12-programs/plant-genotype-to-phenotype-innovations-in-genetics-and-technology/

The final installment of Isabel Lee's Danforth STEAM Tale is available now! Read through the images below to see the thrilling conclusion to Dr. Sprout's research:

This Danforth STEAM Tale was created to introduce students and educators to the Discover Volvox Development project. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact our team at [email protected].

The lab is eager to announce the debut of a new story series on our social media: Danforth STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Tales! These tales will explore our lab’s work at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in miniature narratives created by our student researchers. The first tale starts here – be sure to follow along!

High school intern Isabel Lee has created a Danforth STEAM Tale to introduce students and educators to the Discover Volvox Development project – follow along and explore the microscopic world of mutant algae through the eyes of a miniature scientist!

If you enjoy reading about Dr. Sprout’s research, be sure to check back soon for the final installment of this Danforth STEAM Tale!