Course Spotlight: MOLGEN 4581S – BioEYES Hands-On STEM Learning

Offered in Autumn 2023
Instructor: Dr. Sharon Amacher, trained BioEYES educator
1 credit hour

Project BioEYES is a K-12 science education program which provides classroom-based learning opportunities through the use of live zebrafish. The program is designed to foster enthusiasm for science by giving students opportunities to explore science through watching life develop firsthand.

In partnership with the Department of Molecular Genetics and Project BioEYES, MolGen 4581S gives Ohio State undergrads an opportunity to share their passion for STEM with 4th and 5th graders in Columbus schools.

Besides two class gatherings, one at the beginning and one at the end of the course, the class does not meet regularly on campus. Instead, enrolled students will choose 4 elementary school visits throughout the semester that work with their schedule.

Transportation is provided.

Additional information is available in the MOLGEN 4581S syllabus and the Frequently Asked Questions document.

Volunteer Opportunity at Columbus Elementary Schools

Scientific Thinkers is a student organization and volunteer program here at The Ohio State University. Through Scientific Thinkers, OSU students have the opportunity to positively impact the Columbus community by sharing their knowledge with elementary students by way of interactive lessons and experiments. The schools the organization serves are comprised largely of underrepresented minority students in STEM and have limited STEM resources within their school. Scholars students can benefit from joining Scientific Thinkers by gaining experience in teaching a unique age group, increasing their leadership skills, and expanding their ability to communicate their knowledge of STEM topics to a variety of age groups.

The program is highly rewarding and is a great way to complete community service and outreach requirements. More information can be found at https://u.osu.edu/cemscientificthinkers/. Students can view the program calendar and determine if their availability works. If students are interested they should attend a mandatory orientation on Wednesday,  February 1 at 1:00 PM in 1080 Physics Research Building. Interested students may also email scientificthinkers@gmail.com to schedule a make-up orientation.

Southern Teachers: Virtual Interviews

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Southern Teachers is holding virtual interviews for OSU students who are interested in teaching jobs at great K-12 private/independent schools.

The official application period closed last night, but there are still a couple interview slots available. Any students who are interested should send their resume to Maggie Goodman at Recruiter@SouthernTeachers.com. Alternatively, interested students may sign up to speak with a Southern Teachers rep at their Recruiting Office Hours (Thursdays, 1:00-3:30pm).


Southern Teachers helps college graduates find great jobs in college-preparatory schools around the South.

The teaching environment in these private/independent schools can be wonderful because of their small class sizes, their college-bound students, and their close-knit communities. At independent schools, quality isn’t just about test scores and college acceptances; it’s also the unique way that teachers maximize the potential of their students.

While successful progress through a teacher-education program is essential for some of these jobs (e.g., for elementary teachers), for many positions a teaching certificate is not required. Math majors can be hired to teach math; Spanish majors can teach Spanish, etc. Candidates do, however, need a strong academic record and the personal characteristics that will enable them to manage and motivate K-12 students. To summarize:  Teacher certification is not required for most jobs.

Southern Teachers: Virtual Interviews

A Southern Teachers representative is holding virtual interviews for OSU students who would like to learn more about great teaching jobs at K-12 private/independent schools.

The interview day is:

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Students should submit resumes to Handshake
Resume submission deadline:  Thursday, April 8, 2021


Southern Teachers helps college graduates find great jobs in college-preparatory schools around the South.

The teaching environment in these private/independent schools can be wonderful because of their small class sizes, their college-bound students, and their close-knit communities. At independent schools, quality isn’t just about test scores and college acceptances; it’s also the unique way that teachers maximize the potential of their students.

While successful progress through a teacher-education program is essential for some of these jobs (e.g., for elementary teachers), for many positions a teaching certificate is not required. Math majors can be hired to teach math; Spanish majors can teach Spanish, etc. Candidates do, however, need a strong academic record and the personal characteristics that will enable them to manage and motivate K-12 students. To summarize:  Teacher certification is not required for most jobs.