Education for Community Genomic Awareness — Phase I/II
Project Website(s)
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Project Description
Engage high school students in the scientific process through a new inquiry-based biology curriculum unit addressing molecular genetics (single gene focus) and genomics (focus on human genome and its interaction with environment) Improve student learning of genomics aimed at becoming scientifically literate citizens and stimulating interest in science-related careers Develop university-school-community partnerships supporting and sharing curriculum Engage community partners in relating curriculum to community interests and joining in activities advancing student and community knowledge
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Abstract
Long-term objective: Furthering student and community understanding of genomics and awareness of the potential applications of genomic research to improve population health and reduce health disparities. Specific aims: Stimulate the engagement of underrepresented K-12 students in the scientific process through new high school curriculum addressing molecular genetics (single gene focus) and genomics (focus on human genome and its interaction with environment) Improve student learning of genomics aimed at becoming scientifically literate citizens Develop university-school-community partnerships supporting and sharing curriculum Engage community partners in relating curriculum to community interests and joining in activities advancing student and community knowledge Disseminate the curriculum, professional development and community engagement materials and provide workshops and web-based resources to promote adaptation and enactment throughout the United States Conduct formative and summative evaluation measuring achievement of project aims and maintaining continuous quality improvement. School of Education investigators will apply tested methods of project-based science education developing curriculum representing the current understanding of genomics emerging from scientific research and providing competency to assess critically genomic messages that are proliferating in the media and on the web Parent-teachers and other community-based organizations will participate in the shaping of curriculum, will join with students in out-of-school activities enhancing genomic understanding, and will share in the curriculum through student presentations and demonstrations. Genetics scientists will consult on curriculum content and engage in student-community interviews and discussions. After piloting the curriculum and related community activities in 10 high schools in Detroit and Flint, Mich. (Years 1-3), a compendium of dissemination materials and web resources will be prepared and workshops presented locally (Year 4) and regionally (Year 5) to stimulate dissemination, replication and adaptation. Relevance: Strengthening student and community understanding of genomics and its applications will lead to greater support of these activities by the citizenry, increased interest among youth to enter science careers, and support of programs applying genomics to improve human health and reduce disparities.
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Dissemination Strategies
Implement regionally to a range of urban and suburban areas within the Detroit area starting in Year 4 (Ypsilanti, Jackson, Willow Run) Implement in other states starting in Year 5 (Toledo, Ohio; Chicago/Greater Chicago) Will package for national dissemination
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Project Evaluation(s)
Program Activity: Initial unit development Unit delivery Unit refinement Identify relevant partners and communities Develop introductory education materials Involve communities in curriculum planning Review and comment on curriculum Joint activities between community and students Produce electronic versions of professional development materials Organize and enact professional development programs Implementation and enactment of curriculum into new schools Community engagement handbook/workshops Evaluation Activity: 1) classroom observations and student work, 2) genetics expert/teacher feedback, 3) feedback/suggestions from stakeholders, 4) community planning meetings, 5) summary of activities undertaken, individuals involved, 6) workshop evaluations, 7) dissemination and monitor student work, 8) community evaluations Evaluation Methods: Videotape Student/teacher interviews and surveys Field notes Key informant interviews and surveys Informal interviews Meeting minutes Focus groups Community member surveys
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Resources for Sharing
Curriculum- How Similar or Different Are We? Student/Teacher Evaluation Results Teacher Professional Development Materials Community Engagement Materials Community Focus Group/Dialogue Group Results
Project Audience
K-12 students, teachers, parents, community members.
Subjects Addressed
Genomics and its applications to improve population health and reduce health disparities.
