Unique Science Education Opportunity at SCCS – Local Students Partner with Amgen for Invaluable Hands-On Learning

Through an exciting partnership with the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE), science came alive for the SCCS AP Biology students at the beginning of 2018. Through ABE, teachers are trained to lead their students through biotechnology lab activities and are provided high quality laboratory supplies and curriculum, all for free.
“In AP Biology, a key topic is the structure and function of bacteria,” explained Debbie Brenner, Science Teacher. “Students learn the mechanisms by which bacteria are able to take up foreign pieces of DNA*.”
* During the three-week-long experience, students learned about the purpose and process of genetic engineering. These processes are the building blocks of understanding for the biotechnology industry which develops medicines to treat a variety of diseases.
“We need to expose students to current research and offer them options to enter into these fields,” continued Brenner. “Students were amazed by the power that we have in being able to manipulate the DNA of living things in order to produce desired proteins. As we do science, we are constantly reminded that God is the revealer of what He has designed and maintains, and we are the intrepid explorers.”
As one of the world’s largest biotech company, Amgen is unrivaled in research in human genetics and in manufacturing biologics (medication produced by living organisms). Through the provision of the Amgen Foundation, this unique science education opportunity has inspired many students to pursue further education and careers in science and biology-related fields.
“In research communities, often the focus is on what people can accomplish, how long they can extend their lives, how deftly they can manipulate their bodies and the world around them, in the way that they desire,” shared Brenner. In these settings, Christians are a fresh contrast, as they focus on what God wants to accomplish and rest in the fact that God knows the number of their days.”
With a low student-to-teacher ratio, competitive sports for grades K-12, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment classes and full and half day Kindergarten programs, SCCS partners with families to help produce students who are prepared to make a difference in the world for God.
Now enrolling for the 2018-19 school year! Join us for Open House Friday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Please RSVP at 661-252-7371. Visit www.sccs.cc for more information.