RTB

Research, Technology, and Bioengneering

Research, Technology, and Bioengineering (RTB)

RTB is an honors-level Career and Technical Education (CTE) course at Esparto High School, developed in partnership with the University of California, Davis. This course empowers students to become independent thinkers and skilled researchers by exploring the full spectrum of what “research” can mean, from critically evaluating online information to conducting hands-on scientific investigations.

Students begin by learning how to navigate today’s complex information landscape. They are trained in media literacy and fact-checking strategies such as horizontal reading to evaluate sources effectively. As the year progresses, students develop and apply laboratory skills through a series of hands-on investigations. The course culminates in a capstone research project, where students design and carry out their own experiment and present their findings to scientists at Bayer Crop Science Corporation.

Projects

Projects in honors RTB include collaborations with local biotech research firms, farms, and the University of California, Davis. Just a few of our collaborations are highlighted below.

Hygieia Biological Laboratories

Hygieia Biological Laboratories collaboration

In this four-day lab experience, students collaborate with researchers at Hygieia Biological Laboratories to test the quality of animal vaccines.

Working hands-on with fertilized eggs, students candle for embryos, inoculate bacterial cultures, and perform hemagglutination testing to test for contaminants. They then analyze bacterial colonies and growth media to identify potential contaminants and learn the importance of using both positive and negative controls.

This project immerses students in the scientific method and gives them firsthand insight into real-world biotechnology research.

Full Belly Farm

Full Belly Farm collaboration

As part of a unit on sustainable agriculture, students in the biotechnology course take a field trip to an organic farm to explore real-world soil management practices.

After learning directly from professionals in the field, students collect soil samples from different areas of the farm. Back in the lab, they analyze the nutrient content of their samples, compare results across groups, and use their findings to develop science-based recommendations for improving soil health.

This project blends data analysis, environmental science, and communication skills in an authentic, career-connected setting..

Bayer Crop Sciences

Bayer Crop Science Collaboration

In partnership with Bayer Crop Science, students experience the full spectrum of modern agricultural biotechnology. During their first year in the biotechnology program, students visit Bayer’s Woodland site for an introductory tour.

In their second year, they return for a six-week collaboration that offers an in-depth look at the agricultural product pipeline, from discovery genetics to consumer testing. Students conduct hands-on lab experiments to genotype crops, test for disease resistance, and evaluate phenotypic traits.

As a part of the ongoing collaboration, students conduct a scientific investigation using the skills they learned in class for their Capstone Project. They get feedback from Bayer scientists during the scientific process, then present their findings to Bayer scientists in the style of an academic conference.

These projects provides an authentic window into industry research and STEM career pathways.

Google Sites

Report abuse