WSTA Bite-Size Science Professional Learning
March 19, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Available to Members Only!
Membership is $25 for a year of amazing science professional learning.
Become a WSTA Member here.
Join at: https://wsta.wildapricot.org/Join
Why Do Elephants Raely Get Cancer?
Please join Dr. Jeanne Chowning and Peggy O’Neil Skinner as they explore Elephants and Cancer, one of the newest curriculum resources from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Science Education Partnership! This short (4-lesson) unit delves into a mystery: Elephants are the largest land mammals, with huge bodies that are made up of exponentially more cells than smaller organisms – cells that could mutate over their long lifespan. And yet, elephants rarely get cancer. This is thought to be due in part to their extra TP53 tumor suppressor genes, which code for the p53 protein. Through a comparison of elephants, humans, and four other organisms, students learn why elephants’ genetic makeup makes them less susceptible to cancer.
Session Highlights:● The Elephants and Cancer mini-unit, which was featured in NSTA’s The Science Teacher in 2025, can be modified for Intro, Advanced, or AP Bio and can also be used to supplement Open SciEd materials.
Presenters:
Jeanne Chowning, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Science and Community Partnerships, Office of Education and Training, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Peggy O’Neil Skinner, Educator and Curriculum Developer, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Who Should Attend: All educators are invited! This includes K-12 teachers (Science, STEM, CTE), instructional coaches, TOSAs, principals, and district leaders.
Registration Information: Please register via the Washington State Science Teachers (WSTA) Event Calendar. Link: WSTA-Washington Science Teachers Association - Events A Zoom link will be sent to you after registration.
Clock Hours: For questions regarding clock hours, please contact Don Pruett, WSTA Professional Development Coordinator, at puyalluppruett@gmail.com.
© Washington Science Teachers Association