About the Above Banner

Does the banner image at the left of the above header depict the surface of a solar planet? Although the image could represent Mars, in fact it is a watermark photo image of a microscope slide preparation. A water sample from an ecojar developed by grade 10 students was cultured, and observed for the presence of bacteria. Bacteria sample was then stained by grade 11 students using the Gram Differential method, during a lab period in one of Mr. Melegos' biology class. Our results indicated that the ecojar water sample contained both Gram positive, and Gram negative bacterial colonies. Could Martian frozen water samples harbour bacteria?

About the Director

Please click here to view information about the director and founder of The BioTrek Society.

History and Mission

The BioTrek Society was first formed in the 2000-2001 academic year as a pilot project, by Mr. Melegos at GL. Roberts CVI. The BioTrek Society was formed with few student members, and few projects. Currently, membership capacity is limited between 10 to 15 students. During the 2005-2006 academic year The BioTrek Society was relocated at Dunbarton High School.

Its mission is to promote awareness in the subject of applied biotechnology, and to a lesser extent space science. We devote particular emphasis to basic research and open-ended hands-on experiments, through informal seminars and meetings. Numeracy and literacy skills are highly emphasized and applied fully through guided inquiry, and authentic education. The BioTrek Society strives to develop a collegial atmosphere, where high school students are given leadership opportunities to conduct studies (typically performed at the post-secondary level), and disseminate their outcome to peers.