Personal microbiomes and next-generation sequencing for laboratory-based education.

Area of Science:

• Genomic Sciences
• Bioinformatics Education
• Science Curriculum Development

Background:

• Rapid advancements in sequencing and bioinformatics technologies, particularly next-generation sequencing (NGS), necessitate curriculum updates.
• There is a growing need to equip students with practical skills in handling and interpreting data from these ubiquitous research tools.
• Current science curricula often lack direct exposure to modern sequencing and bioinformatics practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss strategies and challenges for integrating next-generation sequencing into high school and undergraduate science curricula.
• To share experiences from developing and implementing a microbiome project for educational purposes.
• To highlight methods for maximizing student engagement and understanding through hands-on learning.

Main Methods:

• Developing and implementing a microbiome project within existing high school and undergraduate courses.
• Utilizing an inquiry-based learning structure to foster student engagement.
• Focusing on strategies to establish personal relevance for students regarding sequencing data.

Main Results:

• Direct student access to sequencing and bioinformatics tools improves comprehension of research findings.
• Inquiry-based, personally relevant projects enhance student engagement with complex scientific concepts.
• Practical challenges exist in integrating cutting-edge technologies into established educational frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Integrating next-generation sequencing into science education is feasible and beneficial for student learning.
• Successful implementation requires addressing practical challenges and focusing on student engagement strategies.
• The decreasing cost and increasing user-friendliness of NGS technologies will facilitate their wider adoption in educational settings.