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Meet the Gene Machine An interactive dialogue event for 14-19 year olds At-Bristol and the University of the West of England are pleased to announce a brand new outreach programme for schools and colleges in the South West.

Planning a visit If you are planning a visit to At-Bristol, click here to find out what you need to know. Workshops Click here to view our range of school workshops

Meet the Gene Machine is designed to engage young people and teachers in debate around the social and ethical implications raised by advances in medical genetics. Through a combination of fast paced humour and engaging debate, the project creates opportunities for Key Stage 4 and post-16 students to discuss such issues. It also gives teachers support in leading classroom activities that stimulate discussion on the human implications of science.

It has two key elements, a short drama piece followed by a facilitated debate session, all delivered by experienced members of the At-Bristol learning team. Sessions are approximately 45 minutes in length and can be delivered to groups of up to 60 students at a time.

Continuing Professional Development workshops for teachers are also held after each event. These CPD sessions will cover transferable skills that are required to lead debate on controversial issues in biomedicine. These are twilight sessions lasting approximately one hour.

Meet the Gene Machine is a cross-curricula event and supports the curriculum in a variety of subjects, including Science (especially biology, human biology and genetics), Drama and the performing arts, English, PSHE, and Citizenship.

Thanks to the support of the Wellcome Trust this opportunity is offered free of charge to schools and colleges until early 2008. Availability is limited, so book quickly to secure your slot!

For further details or to book a visit, please call Project Manager Rebeca Medrano-Arnaez on 0117 915 7175, or email education@at-bristol.org.uk