Teaching fundamental biochemical and data literacy skills to high-school students is becoming more in-demand and essential in college preparation and workforce development. Experience in Molecular Modeling and Informatics (EMMI) was developed as a multi-modal research opportunity for high school students interested in science and technology. Students learned and employed various computational techniques to research basic biochemistry and biophysics of proteins. Students were introduced to basic data science techniques and bioinformatics practices in answering research questions, exploring protein structure-function relationships, and working collaboratively on a micro-research project. This work describes our experiences in developing and running EMMI, the strategies implemented to ensure a positive experience for the students, and the student outcomes of the program. EMMI incorporated the experiential learning theory, which has been extensively researched as a practice for actively teaching through the dynamic learning cycle driven by problem solving and reflection on the experience. Live demonstrations were used to teach the techniques, and students then completed a group micro-research project utilizing the techniques that were learned to answer a research question related to proteins. Students gave oral group presentations and were asked to share their findings and reflect on their experiences. Our findings show that students thought the experience challenging but extremely rewarding, citing some of the largest areas of improvement in biochemical knowledge, problem solving, and working collaboratively. Students also found that EMMI helped give them insight into possible career paths that suited their interests and were unknown to them previously. The student outcomes from EMMI highlight how pivotal research-based experiential learning opportunities are in preparing high-school students for pursuing college degrees in STEM. Ultimately, this work highlights the ability to deliver a sustainable short-term and long-term experience, that can be offered both in-person and remote, to high school students that improves their biochemical and data science foundation.

Creating sustainable and multi-modal experiential learning opportunities for high school students

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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