STARS Triathlon

The STARS Triathlon is a program targeted to high school biology teachers in the Dallas Independent School District. We especially invite teachers from the following schools to apply: W.H. Adamson, A. Maceo Smith, Thomas Jefferson, Justin F. Kimball, Lincoln, James Madison, L.G. Pinkston, Franklin D. Roosevelt, W.W. Samuell, Seagoville, South Oak Cliff, H. Grady Spruce, and Sunset. The purpose of the program is give teachers tools to improve their teaching in the classroom.

The program consists of three EVENTS:

EVENT 1 is a 12-day workshop in late June in which teachers prepare and deliver laboratory exercises in biology to rising 9th graders. Preparation and post-lab analysis are directed by coaches who are award-winning teachers themselves. Best practices are shared among teachers. The last day of the session is held at The Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. A stipend is offered to participating teachers. Students are selected from feeder Middle Schools in the DISD.

EVENT 2 is attendance at the STARS Basic Science Symposia. You can view a list of current and past presentations at STARS Resources Presentations. Teachers learn the latest information on cutting-edge research and treatment in various areas of biomedicine.

EVENT 3 is an 8-week program of summer research, a part of our Summer Research Program for Teachers. Teachers are paired with science laboratories at the medical center. There are also regular meetings and seminars in which teachers can share their experiences.

The STARS Triathlon also funds the development of Science Suitcases and Virtual Instruments.

The program is made possible with a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through its Pre-College Outreach program. Supplemental funding was provided by The Peter O'Donnell Foundation.