Eli Brouwer - Work at Segbroek

DNA practical's

I developed different DNA practical's and pre-practical's to give students a better understanding of the central dogma within biology(DNA>RNA>protein) and the methods how we analyze these by using PCR.

For most protocol I developed Biorender images of the flow of the experiment and the individual protocols of the practical. This to give the student an better overview of the experiment as most students had difficulties with reading protocols.

On the left you can find the sparse photo records of the PTC and covid-19 practical. the PTC practical Where tasting experience is combined with having the gene for the protein in a taste but receptor to taste a certain bitterness. The covid-19 practical

Peroxidase Practicum

The peroxidase practicum is an investigative laboratory exercise designed to let the student explore the activity of an enzyme in different conditions, 3 tests had to be performed:

Tissue Type Comparison: Students examine the differences in peroxidase activity between liver and muscle tissues.
Temperature Effects: This test explores how temperature variations impact peroxidase activity.
pH Sensitivity: Students investigate the enzyme's activity across different pH levels, assessing how acidity affect the function of peroxidase.

A unique aspect of this practicum is its approach to student engagement and critical thinking. Rather than following a predetermined protocol, the students are encouraged to read and think before the practicum to make a mental drawing. To help an drawing a worksheet is provided with missing details (picture on the left). This worksheet was made by me with Biorender. After conducting the tests, they are tasked with developing their own protocols based on the observations and results they have gathered. This method prompts students to reflect deeply on the experimental process, fostering a more profound understanding of the scientific method and the specific enzyme kinetics involved in peroxidase activity.

Contributions to the Segbroek's Natural History Museum Collection

In my role at the Segbroek's Natural History Museum, I undertook the significant task of rejuvenating the museum's collection. This involved meticulously reassessing the specimens, identifying and disposing of items that were illegal or lacked proper documentation. Working alongside a fellow teacher, we reorganized the collection, carefully naming each specimen to ensure clarity and educational value.

For those specimens that required expert identification, I collaborated with specialists and curators from Naturalis, including Jeroen Goud and Han Raven. Our joint efforts were particularly focused on the extensive and historically rich mollusk collection. With Jeroen's assistance, we managed to accurately classify each piece, enhancing the collection's scientific significance.

Recognizing the educational and scientific importance of certain pieces, I facilitated their donation and restoration to Naturalis, where they found a new home that better suited their value. To enhance the educational experience at Segbroek, I invested in glass display cases and cabinets, ensuring the remaining pieces were accessible and engaging for students. Those directly tied to educational objectives were made readily available for use in teaching and learning.

Additionally, items that were illegal or lacked the necessary documentation were responsibly handed over to customs for proper disposal, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Engaging the Micro-World: Beyond Classroom Boundaries

Teaching about the microscopic world is inherently limited by our own perceptions and understanding. To captivate young minds, it's essential to transport them into a fantasy world where they become explorers, setting the scene for discovery beyond the conventional classroom. This can be done by storytelling while they watch trough the microscope. An other innovative approach I've adopted as well is to use foldscopes. These simple, yet powerful tools allow students to extend their learning into their homes and the great outdoors, turning the world around them into an expansive play garden.

More about Microscope Management Advanced Imaging Techniques and Skills

Microscope Management: The Foundations with brightfield

Effective teaching in microscopy also demands meticulous preparation behind the scenes. This includes the procurement, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, as well as the careful preparation of slides for brightfield microscopy. My responsibilities encompass the entire process of conventional histology, from fixation, trimming, and labeling to sectioning, transferring, and staining. These tasks are critical for ensuring that students have high-quality specimens to examine and learn from.

Advancing Skills in Cellular Imaging Techniques

My specialization in Advanced Cellular Imaging Techniques has expanded my expertise and capabilities in the field. This advanced training has introduced me to cutting-edge methodologies that push the boundaries of traditional microscopy, Overcoming the diffraction limit with techniques:

Enhancing resolution through the extension of numerical aperture, including the use of specialized condensers.
Exploring near-field techniques like total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and scanning probe microscopy.
Employing stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to achieve unprecedented levels of detail and clarity.

Through these advanced techniques, I've gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of cellular imaging. What are the practical obstructions e.g. epifluorescence microscopy and photobleaching.

Micro vs. Macro Exhibition

"Micro vs. Macro" explored the connection between the microscopic world and the expansive view of the macro universe. Inspired by Earth's views from space and the intricate details of life invisible to the naked eye, this exhibition contrasted vast landscapes seen from the moon with the detailed beauty of cellular processes, organisms like the water flea (Diplostraca), and the dynamic patterns of algae blooms infront of the dutch coast.

This project unveiled hidden worlds of beauty around us and linked environmental challenges to a broader planetary perspective. It featured collaborations with Nikon Small World competition entrants and utilized ESA satellite data to create striking 1m by 1m aluminum prints displayed in Segbroek's hallways.

Discover more visuals at the Nikon Small World gallery: Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.

Exploring Photosynthesis with Algae in Alginate Spheres

In this experiment I utilized algae encapsulated in alginate spheres to demonstrate the photosynthesis process. A custom-made indicator was developed to detect variations in CO2 levels, providing a visual representation of photosynthetic activity. This method was tested for its potential as an experimental setup in educational settings.

However, my feedback on its application was negative, primarily due to the time constraints within classroom environments and the duration required to observe significant changes in the indicator. The algae used in this project were sourced from a specialized laboratory in Amsterdam and cultivated under various lighting conditions to ensure optimal biomass growth.

Reformed sexual education curriculum

In collaboration with Sexueel Welzijn Nederland (SWN), a distinguished Dutch organization of sexologists and psychologists, I spearheaded the transformation of sexual education at Segbroek High School. The approach prioritized teaching safe pleasure, understanding erogenous zones, and the anatomy of sexual organs, moving beyond the traditional focus on sexual diseases, the process of conception, and biological systems.

Our curriculum expansion included diverse aspects of pleasure, the impact of cultural perceptions on pleasure, and the significant role of mental state in experiencing pleasure. This comprehensive approach allowed us to offer a more balanced and inclusive sexual education.

To support the curriculum, we introduced new educational materials designed to challenge and expand students' understanding:

A classroom clitoris statue (large 3D prints), along with posters depicting various forms and shapes of the vulva and penis, aimed at acknowledging bodily diversity and moving away from rigid cultural gender norms.
Setting up a website with students se*broek where they could write and learn about sexual education in a safe way.
New library additions, including the pioneering "June Pia Climax Club," which offer fresh perspectives and insights into sexual well-being.

As a biologist transitioning into the role of a sexual educator, I recognized the need for self-education in this specialized field. Embracing this responsibility, I aimed to provide comprehensive and respectful sexual education to my students, bridging the generational cultural gap with sensitivity and professionalism.

Excursions

5VWO Student Excursion at Westduinpark 2023:

Aimed at 5VWO students, this trip was an extension of their classroom learning, focusing on the ecology of the nature park situated behind our school. The excursion provided a comprehensive overview of the area's ecological diversity, including the ancient ecology behind the dunes where the city now stands, the varied ecologies of the dunes themselves, and the beach ecosystem.

Mega excursion 320 students

This was a highly ambitious and large-scale excursion I organized involving 320 students(3MBO;3HVO;3VWO) and 45 teachers across three distinct locations for 3 days. Covering three subjects—history, geography, and biology—this multifaceted excursion required extensive organization. It was the year's largest outing, involving coordination with multiple organizations such as Dunea, bus companies, the Oranjehotel museum, and various equipment rental services. With Biology group we organised a blended learning experience with bird watching, plant and insect determination in Meijendel Nature Park.

Teacher Excursion at Westduinpark 2022

This excursion was tailored for biology teachers to deepen their understanding of the local Westduin nature park. Guided by a knowledgeable forest ranger(boswachter), we explored the diverse ecosystems within Westduinpark, gaining insights that could be translated into enriching educational content for their students.

Due to privacy reasons, faces have been made unrecognizable

Professional Experience as Practical Teacher and Technical Education Assistant (TOA)

Leadership in Project and Lab Management:
1. Spearheaded the coordination and execution of complex educational projects, ensuring seamless transition from conceptualization to implementation.
2. Led a team of 8 educators in managing year-long practical experiments, significantly enhancing organizational efficiency and educational outcomes.
3. Played a pivotal role in lab management, introducing process optimizations that improved practical management, compliance with safety standards, and maintenance of lab equipment.
Strategic Process Improvement:
1. Implemented procedural changes to streamline operations, such as enhancing meeting effectiveness and optimizing trash flows and chemical records management.
2. Developed and integrated new educational tools and practices, including the introduction of Foldscope microscopy and sustainable lab practices, setting new standards in Dutch education.
Conflict Resolution and Team Management:
1. Excelled in mediating team conflicts by fostering an environment of open communication and empathy, thereby protecting team dynamics and morale.
2. Mentored new hires on organizational processes and expectations, facilitating smooth team integration and knowledge transfer.
Collaboration and Networking:
1. Established and maintained successful collaborations with key educational and research institutions (UvA, WUR), Naturalis, companies (Dunea), and national parks, leveraging networking skills to enhance educational programs.
2. Coordinated with internal and external teams, including fellow TOAs, to foster inter-departmental cooperation and enhance project outcomes.
Educational Innovation and Outreach:
1. Organized subject-specific and intersectional excursions, enriching the learning experience for over 320 students across multiple locations.
2. Initiated and led the reform of the sexual education curriculum towards a focus on sexual wellbeing, and collaborated with Naturalis curators to create a natural history exhibition.
3. Guided, graded, and coached students on profile projects, promoting academic excellence and personal growth.