Engineering Solutions for Better Health: Genetic Technology and Biomedical Engineering for Secondary Classrooms

The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) include engineering, technology and applications of science as important to students’ learning how science is used. However, few K-12 life science curriculum materials address this important component. As a result, students are not introduced to the full range of biomedical workforce careers, leading to missed opportunities to spark their interest in bioscience and health-related occupations. To address this need, the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah will use the experience it has gained over the past 8 years in developing NGSS-aligned curricula to produce, test and disseminate two innovative curriculum supplement modules that focus on new and emerging technologies that are not yet included in biology textbooks. The biomedical engineering module for middle school (grades 7-8) will focus on utilizing engineering design principles to develop artificial limbs. It will be situated within the context of the organ and sensory system units taught at that level. The genetic technologies module for high school (grades 9-10) will focus on ways that new and emerging technologies can be used together to diagnose and treat complex human health conditions. The goals for the Engineering Solutions for Better Health: Genetic Technology and Biomedical Engineering for Secondary Science project are to: GOAL 1: Promote biomedical workforce development by engaging secondary-level students with engineering and technology applications in healthcare via new curriculum supplement modules so they can make informed choices related to careers. Approach: Involve teachers from across the US in drafting the modules, testing them with their students, and providing input for refinement. Produce curriculum- embedded videos of similar-age students interacting with individuals in the biomedical workplace who are developing or using the featured technologies. Conduct a quasi-experimental research study to evaluate each module’s efficacy for student learning and increased career interest. GOAL 2: Support biomedical workforce development through professional development courses and workshops that educate teachers about genetic technologies and biomedical engineering and prepare them to implement the curriculum supplement modules with their students. Approach: Offer four free, online courses (two/module) for at least 120 teachers from across the US. Present at least five workshops at state, regional and national science teacher conferences. The project will take advantage of the GSLC’s award-winning expertise in developing effective interactive multimedia learning experiences; its published methods for involving teachers in curriculum development; and its extensive experience in teacher professional development. The modules will be broadly disseminated via our Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics websites, which are used annually by >16 million visitors worldwide.