Genetics at Work: Science Careers and In-progress Solutions to Modern Health Challenges

The overarching goal of this project is to engage middle and high school students in real-world science, with a particular focus on how biomedical research and innovation address challenges that affect their lives. The project is designed to foster early interest in science and health-related careers, and to provide exposure to the broad range of skilled technical workforce and professional positions in these fields. The project aims to advance goals outlined in the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan, including fostering a strong biomedical workforce and promoting science education. To address this goal, the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah will use its award-winning expertise to develop four innovative curriculum modules. The modules will address topics not yet included in textbooks, emphasize how science is driving real solutions to biological and health challenges, and include videos that enable students to “meet” individuals in a range of work environments. The modules will flexibly integrate with topics teachers already cover, and support student achievement of standards described in A Framework for K-12 Science Education. The project’s goals are to: GOAL 1: Introduce secondary-level students to (a) the science of developing solutions to biological and health challenges, with a focus on genetics, and (b) related careers, via new curriculum modules. Approach: Involve teachers from across the US in drafting the modules, testing them with their students, and providing feedback for refinement. Conduct a quasi-experimental efficacy study of each module’s impact on NGSS-aligned student learning using validated student assessments. GOAL 2: Prepare teachers to implement the four new modules via online professional development courses and conference workshops. Approach: Offer two, free online courses for teachers to prepare them to use the modules, and present free workshops at state and national science teacher conferences, reaching at least 300 teachers across the US. 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 the GSLC’s Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics websites, which are used annually by >16 million visitors worldwide.