Interested in helping middle school students in the Boston area learn genetics through a cool computer game? Read on and sign up!
What is the GeniConnect project?
The GeniConnect project’s central goal is to develop and research a program for afterschool students involving game-based learning, coaching by scientists, and hands-on laboratory work in biotechnology and genetics. Afterschool students will navigate through Geniverse, a web-based environment developed by the Concord Consortium to support student learning of genetics. In Geniverse, students dive into genetics using a virtual model species to explore the fundamental mechanisms of heredity and genetic diseases while also getting a taste of careers in genetics.
This project will address two primary research questions:
- How can these experiences foster students’ understanding and motivation in genetics and biotechnology and further students’ awareness of careers and real-world connections?
- What methods and processes can aid industry groups and afterschool programs in forming meaningful and productive partnerships?
Project objectives:
- Adapt and tailor Geniverse for afterschool use.
- Provide and support coaching by scientists.
- Involve students in authentic laboratory experiences.
- Support students in extending experiences to the home.
- Research students’ STEM content learning and career-related motivation.
- Develop a framework and toolkit for industry/afterschool partnerships.
To read more about the GeniConnect project, please visit concord.org/geniconnect.
What is a GeniConnect Coach?
The Concord Consortium is looking for qualified professionals and graduate students with experience in biology, genetics, and/or biotechnology who would be willing to spend a few hours over an 8-week period meeting with middle school students in their afterschool program in the Metro Boston area.
As a GeniConnect Coach, you will have the opportunity to play Geniverse with students in the afterschool setting, helping them to make direct connections from the game to real-world genetics and their hands-on laboratory experiences. Students and Coaches will engage in planned project activities such as an introductory group dinner and an optional field trip to a local biotech company. GeniConnect Coaches will also reflect with students on project activities through virtual laboratory tours and the regular exchange of “video postcards”.
The goal of connecting students with industry professionals as Coaches is to foster meaningful relationships, promote student understanding of key concepts in genetics and connections to real-world applications, and to expand student awareness of workforce activities and skills.
Additional Questions?
Please email geniconnect@concord.org.