BIORETS: Creating Communities of Practice to Translate Microbial Evolution in Action Research to the Classroom

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $470,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This integrated research-education program will engage 18 high school and middle school science teachers over 3 years in authentic microbiology research to understand how bacteria adaptively evolve when producing biofilm, and how biofilm helps bacteria to resist predation by amoebae. This research training will prepare the teachers to lead these experiments in their classrooms, where students will observe and study bacteria evolving in biofilms over a week using our innovative curriculum. Both research and teaching will be supported by mentors in our laboratory and in their classrooms. We will measure whether our program improves teacher confidence in using life science experiments in their classrooms, as well as student attitudes and self-efficacy towards science topics relevant to future careers in biotechnology. This program will empower greater understanding by teachers and students of how microbes evolve, a crucial topic today. The dynamics of microbial biofilm adaptation, particularly its rapid pace and extent of diversification, present both a scientific puzzle and an educational opportunity. Through training the teachers, our program enables their students (age 12+) to observe evolutionary adaptation in just one week using a safe non-pathogenic Pseudomonas model. Through genome sequencing, we can identify mutations causing distinct colony morphologies. Student and teacher research revealed that biofilm adaptations protect against predation by Dictyostelium discoide

Key facts

NSF award ID
2444414
Awardee
University of Pittsburgh (PA)
SAM.gov UEI
MKAGLD59JRL1
PI
Vaughn Cooper
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
RESEARCH EXP FOR TEACHERS, NANOSCALE BIO CORE
Estimated total
$470,000
Funds obligated
$470,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/01/2025 → 05/31/2028