Bio-Rad Science Ambassador Program


 
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Bio-Rad Science Ambassador Scientists

Frequently Asked Questions from Scientists

Scientists

Bio-Rad Science Ambassador Volunteer FAQ

Click on a question for the answer. If you still need assistance, feel free to contact us.

  • What should I expect after registering?

    Once registered, it is very important that you acknowledge the email confirmation so that your status becomes active. Only active participants will be matched with Educators based on the criteria set during registration. The teacher will be notified by email once a suitable match is made and it is their responsibility to contact you to arrange a date for the event.

  • How do I use the My Info page?

    Each Science Ambassador creates a My Info profile page during the registration process and should update the page as needed. You may access your profile page at any time by clicking the My Info tab and logging in using the email address and password set up during registration. This profile page is where you will keep track of matches as well as both past and upcoming events.

  • What happens after a match is made?

    It is the Educator's responsibility to initiate contact with the scientist. Once you've settled on an agreeable date and time for the event, the teacher needs to log in and formally register the event date on the Science Ambassador website. This is a critical step, as it is how we know when to send you the Genes in a Bottle™ DNA extraction kit and classroom materials. The scientist is then prompted via email to confirm the date, and both parties are notified that the scheduling process is complete. It is crucial that this email be opened and acted upon; shipping is dependent on receipt of this confirmation.

  • Can I request to visit a particular school?

    Educators and scientists are matched using the location criteria entered during registration, but if you know a particular teacher or have a school in mind, please mention that in the special notes section. It is essential that both you and the teacher be registered if you'd like to volunteer at a specific school. If your selected school is outside the available travel distance you selected at registration, you may need to update your criteria to see the match.

  • What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel the event?

    If the need arises to cancel or reschedule, log into your profile page and enter that information. The system will send an email alerting the teacher of the change. We do hope that you'll find an alternate date for the event — once you have, the teacher can enter the new date into the system. If cancellation is the only option, the teacher may select an alternate scientist from the list of matches and begin the process as before. In the case of cancellation on short notice, please also contact the teacher directly to make sure the class is not assembled and left waiting!

  • What does the activity entail?

    The activity involves use of the Genes in a Bottle™ DNA extraction kit, which provides enough supplies for 36 students to perform the experiment. Clear, step-by-step instructions are also provided to guide the students through the activity. The basic steps include cheek cell collection, cell lysis and proteolysis, DNA precipitation, and necklace assembly. This is a perfect activity for students and scientists to explore biotechnology side by side, without the strain of event planning.

  • What is provided in the kit?

    The Bio-Rad Science Ambassador Kit comes in a tote bag and includes all of the supplies necessary to conduct an activity with a class of 36 students in grades 3–12. Included are the Genes in a Bottle kit, necklace modules, a thumb drive containing helpful documents, “I Love Your DNA” tattoos, a quick start guide, and a Science Ambassador T-shirt.

  • What additional items will I need to provide?

    There are a few common supplies that you'll need to provide which aren't included in the activity kit, including: paper cups and towels, zip-top bags, permanent markers, and alcohol (91% isopropanol or 95% ethanol). Amounts are listed in the itemized supplies checklist. You can work with your teacher to prepare these items ahead of time.

  • Am I expected to teach the students about DNA?

    Your primary responsibility is to conduct a successful activity in the timeframe you have set aside. Therefore, we advise the teacher to at least go over some background on DNA. Of course, the amount of detail should be age-appropriate. Some scientists will have time to make a brief presentation and others will not, so it is recommended that you discuss your plans with the teacher when planning your visit. You may download two PowerPoint presentations prepared by Bio-Rad Life Science Education that you and the teacher are free to use in lecture sessions. You or the teacher may freely modify these presentations as appropriate based on the time available and grade level of the class.

  • What additional resources are available to help me prepare?

    Our resources section provides a variety of useful presentations, videos, and checklists to better prepare you and your students for the event. If you require additional information, please contact us, or email scienceambassadors@bio-rad.com. Should you require technical support, please call 1-800-424-6723 and select option 2.

  • How do I provide feedback?

    Bio-Rad welcomes feedback from scientists, teachers, students, and anyone else who takes part in an event. Use our online survey form or send comments by email to scienceambassadors@bio-rad.com. Please share notes from students and photographs taken during the activity, but keep in mind that you will need to get signed consent from parents of the students involved before posting such materials online.

Visit our Resources section for helpful files and videos about the program.


 

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