BioRAP*: Expand Newsletter Distribution and Evaluation

University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs, CT

Contact Person: Robin Froman, R.N., Ph.D.
Phone: (860) 486-0549 FAX: (860) 486-0512
froman@uconnvm.uconn.edu

BioRAP, Biological Research for Animals & People, is an eight-page, two- color science and health curriculum supplement, published by Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc.(CURE) and developed in collaboration with scientists and educators. BioRAP puts students in touch with science and informs young people about human and animal health issues. BioRAP also introduces students to possible careers in biological research and technology. Issues available for evaluation are Cancer, Sun & Skin, Product Safety, and AIDS. Additional issues are available in hard copy and in development. Each issue has an accompanying teacher*s guide.

The aim of the SEPA project is to evaluate the effectiveness of BioRAP in reaching all students*regardless of gender, ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics, and to evaluate the benefits of the teachers guides. To determine if student achievement and attitude outcomes are related to ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics, students are asked to complete a post test after using BioRAP. Currently, BioRAP is being evaluated in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington by more than 22,000 students and their teachers.

NIH/SEPA Grant No. R25 RR0721

The BioRAP homepage is being developed and marketed to schools across the country. Look for upcoming developments to the website at http://www.biorap.org. For additional information about the distribution of BioRAP contact:

Barbara Pavlowitz
Program Manager
Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc.
260 Farmington Avenue, Suite 173
Farmington, CT 06032
860-679-1550
FAX 860-679-1556
cure@nsol.uchc.edu