K-12 Education

The Center received a $1,246,202 5-year National Center for Research Resources (NIH) Science Education Partnership Award to further student and community understanding of genomics and awareness of the potential applications of genomic research to improve population health and reduce health disparities. This grant, entitled Education for Community Genomic Awareness, allows CPHCG to expand its activities related to integrating information on genomics and public health into K-12 education. A new curriculum addressing molecular genetics (single gene focus) and genomics (focus on human genome and its interaction with environment) has been developed and enacted in five high schools in Detroit and three high schools in Flint. The curriculum has been revised based on teacher and student feedback and teacher professional education materials have been developed.

Paralleling the curriculum activities in the schools are a series of activities engaging parents and other community members in the catchment areas served by the schools. The objectives of the community activities are to: engage the community in helping to shape the curriculum enacted in the schools to assure curriculum relevance to the lives of the students and their parents; improve the awareness and appreciation of the community of genomic science and research and its applications; strengthen student learning and interest in science through joint activities involving students working together with their parents and other community members; and tap into the expertise of community members related to the curriculum.