Material Detail

This course develops content knowledge in cancer biology by building the scientific understanding and instructional strategies needed to design and facilitate inquiry-based learning experiences for high school students. Participants gain a foundational understanding of the biological processes disrupted during cancer development, including cell cycle regulation, DNA damage and repair, genetic mutations, and cellular communication pathways, and examine how these molecular changes enable cancer cells to grow, survive, and spread. The course emphasizes translating complex biomedical concepts into developmentally appropriate instruction, supporting effective scientific communication with students and authentic integration of cancer biology into the secondary classroom. In addition to exploring the core mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression, participants are introduced to essential experimental approaches used in modern cancer research laboratories, providing the background needed to engage in laboratory research and bring those experiences into their teaching. Emerging topics, including the tumor microenvironment and the scientific principles underlying current cancer therapies, are also examined to provide a comprehensive foundation for teaching contemporary cancer biology. The Core Concepts in Cancer Biology course is designed for self-paced, asynchronous learning. Several resources are provided for each topic to ensure effective learning and long-term comprehension.