Alliance for Science and Boyce Thompson Institute launch SciFun Book: A biotechnology program for high school learners

NAIROBI, KENYA, February 22, 2023 – Alliance for Science (the Alliance) and Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) are excited to launch the SciFun Book, a biotechnology program for high school learners, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on February 23, 09:00 AM EAT. The SciFun program is designed for Form 2 and Form 3 learners and aims to enhance their understanding of biotechnology through hands-on experience in extracting DNA from fruits and vegetables while making observations about the process.

The curriculum for the SciFun program is a collaborative product of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Science Centre, BTI, and the Alliance. Additional support has been provided by the Kenya Teacher Service Commission and Kenya Ministry of Education.

“We are excited to support the SciFun program and contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists,” said Dr. Sheila Ochugboju, Executive Director of the Alliance for Science. “We believe that this program is a great example of how partnerships can help advance scientific literacy and promote innovation in agriculture.”

The launch event will be attended by stakeholders in the education and agriculture sectors, a group of participating students, as well as representatives from the funding organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the SciFun program and receive a copy of the book.

The SciFun Book was developed through a process called co-creation, which brings together many stakeholders to collaboratively guide the product design. SciFun was co-created by teachers in Kenya to suit their needs and resources, as well as raise learners’ curiosity through a hands-on, exciting yet challenging process.

“The advantage of the SciFun lessons is that both students and teachers love it, which enables a fun, interactive approach to learning science,” said Kenneth Monjero, Coordinator of KALRO’s Science Centre Kenya (SCK), who led the development of the SciFun program. “I highly appreciate all of the partners involved in the SciFun project, and I look forward to the book being adopted not only in Kenya but also across the continent and beyond.”

“At the Boyce Thompson Institute, we strongly believe that plants and plant science research are essential to sustainably feeding a growing population,” said Delanie Sickler, Director of Education and Outreach at BTI. “One of the best ways to ensure we have the brightest minds working on agricultural and environmental solutions for years to come is to get youth excited about plant science, and to know that there are many viable career paths. SciFun aims to do that.”

For more information about the launch event, please contact Ake Mamo, Alliance for Science, Global South Hub, aem326@cornell.edu

To obtain a pdf copy of SciFun Book or the launch event program, please contact Ake Mamo (aem326@cornell.edu) or AJ Bouchie (ajbouchie@btiscience.org)