A cross-disciplinary hands-on genomics curriculum adaptable for high school to undergraduate education.

Abstract

DNA literacy is becoming increasingly essential for navigating healthcare, understanding pandemics, and engaging with biotechnology-yet genomics education remains limited at the secondary level of education. We present a modular, hands-on curriculum designed for high school and early undergraduate students (ages 14-21) that introduces key genomics concepts through an experiment on fermentation, a process that is key to food preservation and medicine. Students follow a complete scientific process: exploring what DNA is and how microbial succession works, analyzing real DNA sequencing data, and writing a formal scientific report. The course integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data analysis obtained from portable nanopore sequencing technology (Oxford Nanopore MinION), giving students access to authentic data sets. Activities such as microbial species identification using taxonomic IDs foster skills in observation, experimental design, and quantitative reasoning. The curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Vision and Change (V&C) frameworks, supporting interdisciplinary learning and scientific literacy. By making molecular biology visible and relatable, this curriculum equips diverse learners with the tools to engage meaningfully in a genomics-driven world.