BIO21

Overview

Bio21 develops academic skills and 21st century career skills through the completion of a Bio21 Challenge. Each school team, consisting of at least one teacher and four to six students, is challenged to develop a creative, yet feasible, biotechnology-based plan that proposes a solution to a given challenge. The solution requires a project plan and proposal, the creation of a Web site to educate the public about the selected global issue, and the formation of an advisory committee that works to guide students in the development of the plan. Throughout the school year, student teams learn about current methods in biotechnology as they develop their project plans. Each student documents the work in an ePortfolio that demonstrates the variety of skills developed and artifacts produced during the program. Participants compete for awards and recognition as they present their ideas and projects to a panel of business professionals and higher education faculty, both online and at the annual Connecticut Student Innovation Expo.

2009–10 Challenge
This year, Bio21 students are challenged to use biologically inspired engineering to develop a sustainable and healthier human technology and design.

Student Meetings/Experiential Learning Dates
Student meeting dates will be posted here as they are finalized.

The 2010 CT Student Innovation Expo
The culminating event for all students is the CT EXPO, May 8, 2010, at the CT Convention Center.

What Do You Do in Bio21?

The Bio21 Challenge
Biomimicry is the process of emulating nature's designs in order to develop sustainable human technologies. This year, students are challenged to use biologically-inspired engineering to develop a sustainable and healthier human technology and design.

Research
Using their growing biotechnology knowledge, student teams brainstorm ideas to formulate real solutions to the Bio21 Challenge.

Develop
Teams identify an advisory committee/scientific partnership to assist and support them as they develop the project. Advisory committees should be diverse and be comprised of professionals from a variety of disciplines in science, government, technology, and/or public health.

Design
After developing and refining their solutions, teams generate interest in their solutions via the World Wide Web (WWW) through the development of a Web site that includes use of animations and computer simulations. Web sites should have global impact maps, timelines, information on project progress, and project milestones. There should also be evidence that the solution is environmentally sensitive or “green” and addresses social, ethical, and/or cultural concerns.

Present
Each team presents its solution in three different venues for evaluation by a panel of science professionals, researchers, and higher-education faculty. First, they post a project Web site on our Internet server for online evaluation. Second, they create an interactive exhibition booth at the annual Connecticut Student Innovation Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center. Finally, they deliver a five-minute oral presentation to demonstrate their innovative solutions.

Awards
Bio21 students are recognized for outstanding performance in a variety of categories:

• Outstanding Team Player
• Outstanding Team Leader
• Outstanding Web Site Design
• Outstanding Exhibition Booth
• Outstanding Project Proposal
• Outstanding ePortfolio
• Outstanding Scientific Partnership
• Outstanding Oral Presentation
• CCC Biotechnology Internship Award
• The "Greenie" Award

Requirements of Bio21

Topic
Each team's plan should include the following elements: Novel Biomimicry Product or Technology ; Research, Complete, and Cited; Experimental Design; Execution Plan; Timelines and Expenditures; Project Goals, Objectives and Deliverables; and Consideration for Cultural, Social, and/or Ethical Impact.

Company Identity
Each team needs an advisory committee that helps guide students as they develop a plan. It is the responsibility of each student team to ensure that committee members collaborate as scientific partners. Students should consider the following pieces when forming the committee: Diverse Group from Several Disciplines; Identification of Collaborative Efforts; and Impact of Committee on the Plan.

e-Portfolio
Each student’s e-Portfolio documents the research, problem-solving activities, and multimedia development used for the design and mitigation of the plan. Each e-Portfolio documents the student’s individual activities during the project and should contain digital files, digital photographs, research citations, digital video, and personal reflection about the work.

Expo Evaluation

Company Web Site
The team Web site should include all relevant project research. Judges look for easy navigation, error-free text, a captivating format, and abundant material (properly cited) that clearly relates to the challenge.

Exhibition Booth
Student teams present their projects to the public and judges via a trade show exhibit. They describe their work, demonstrate their creative solutions to the challenge, generate enthusiasm for their products, network, and cultivate a high degree of professionalism in a business environment. Judges look for an organized booth with relevant materials that demonstrate a unique solution, an effective variety of engaging marketing materials, and a cohesive, original company identity. In addition, each student team must be active in drawing visitors to its booth and be able to clearly explain the challenge and the team’s solution.

Oral Presentation
Representatives from student teams give a five-minute oral presentation to a panel of business leaders and higher education faculty. Judges look for clear articulation, proper speaking volume, steady speaking rate, good posture, and eye contact. Most importantly, judges expect to see a confident and enthusiastic presentation with team participation and support.

2009–10 Participating Schools

Brien McMahon, Norwalk; East Haven; Nathan Hale-Ray, East Haddam; New Britain; Pomperaug (Region 15); Wilbur Cross (New Haven)

For More Information

Contact Carolyn Kelley at 860-567-0863, ext. 233, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Download the CCC Student Program Guide (PDF, 4.6 MB): Program_Guide_summer09.pdf