Genomics education in practice: Evaluation of a mobile lab design

Abstract

Dutch genomics research centers have developed the 'DNA labs on the road' to bridge the gap between modern genomics research practice and secondary-school curriculum in the Netherlands. These mobile DNA labs offer upper-secondary students the opportunity to experience genomics research through experiments with laboratory equipment that is not available in schools and place genomics research in a relevant societal context. The design of the DNA lab 'read the language of the tumor' is evaluated, by clarifying the goals and choices in the design, and the effects of the DNA lab are presented. Based on the analysis of the design of the DNA lab and supported by the results of the evaluating studies, we consider this module to be a good example of relevant and up-to-date genomics education. © 2010 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.