Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS)

Aim

To develop new educational resources and promote exciting teaching of plant science and molecular biology.

SAPS has established a programme which:

develops resource materials for the use of plants in both primary and secondary sectors
works to develop new resources and to promote and support exciting teaching of plant science and molecular biology
publishes simple protocols for investigating various aspects of plant science including germination, growth and photosynthesis using immobilised algae,
has developed inexpensive and safe techniques for extracting DNA from plants, treating it with restriction enzymes and performing gel electrophoresis, and collaborated with the National Centre for Biotechnology Education (NCBE) to include protocols developed by SAPS in their low cost DNA kits
has developed an ELISA kit for measuring fungal infections in fruit
has developed, in collaboration with NCBE, kits for protein electrophoresis and PCR
runs workshops for teachers in plant science, forensic pollen analysis, DNA and protein technology
offers sponsorship to schools and colleges to help them enhance the quality of teaching and learning
publishes a newsletter, Osmosis, that is sent to over 4500 individuals, schools and colleges.

SAPS receives financial support from The Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

Paul Beaumont
Telephone 01223 507168
E-mail pb288@cam.ac.uk or saps@homerton.cam.ac.uk