Summer Workshops In Biotechnology and Agriculture At MCC

McHenry County College in collaboration with Energy Concepts, Inc. (ECI), is coordinating two summer STEM workshops for educators. The first workshop, Foundations & Applications in Biotechnology and Agriculture Biotechnology is offered July 13-17. The second workshop, Material Science Technology, is offered August 3-7.  Both workshops meet from 8-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Foundations & Applications in Biotechnology and Agriculture Biotechnology workshop will introduce this field of applied biology that involves the use of microorganisms to perform specific industrial processes.  Students will have an opportunity to study genetic engineering and understand how this has led to new fields of scientific endeavor while evaluating the bioethics and social concerns related to biotechnology.  Bioprocessing and biological systems will be introduced as additional concepts to achieve industrial purposes.  The role of biotechnology in agriculture, medicine, the environment and immunology will be demonstrated through activities and experiments to drive critical thinking skills.

The workshop will feature hands-on lab activities, experiments and demonstrations. Facilitators are Jeanne Moldenhauer, vice president of Excellent Pharma Consulting, Inc. and president of ECI and Tom Chinske, science teacher from Vernon Hills High School.

The second workshop, Material Science Technology, will demonstrate contextual learning for the five basic categories of materials: Solids, Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, and Composites. Students will learn more about the demands for faster, stronger and more economical materials that fuel a surge in material science-related jobs.  Material Science Technology offers a way for students to identify and develop the skills needed to be ready for this competitive job market.  This workshop also includes hands-on lab activities, experiments, and demonstrations. Facilitator is Merrill Rudes, vice president of ECI

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Attendees are eligible for 36 hours of professional development for either workshop. Both workshops will take place at Energy Concepts, Inc., 404 Washington Blvd. in Mundelein. 

For more information or to register for either workshop, contact: Merrill Rudes at mrudes@ecimail.com or call (800) 621-1247.