Science for the Next Generation: Reaching Young Audiences-Science for the Next Generation: Reaching Young Audiences

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, sponsored by the AAI Education Committee, focused on ways to inspire young people to pursue science, especially immunology, through K-12 outreach and community engagement. Dr. Heather Bruns described research showing that many students are first exposed to immunology in middle or high school, often through biology, anatomy, or related class units. Her team surveyed Alabama secondary science teachers and found that many already include immune system topics, such as antibodies, pathogens, infectious disease, and immune cells, using methods ranging from lecture to inquiry-based labs. Most teachers were interested in professional development and hands-on support. Bruns’ goal is to build a collaborative program connecting immunologists and teachers to create standards-aligned lessons and resources that can expand immunology education and improve immune literacy.<br /><br />Dr. Jill Mattson shared her NSF-funded outreach project involving high school students in real microbiology research using a safe Vibrio species. Students help build a transposon mutant library and learn lab skills, genetics, probability, and scientific problem-solving. She emphasized practical issues in classroom research, including safety, resources, school support, and scheduling. Both speakers highlighted the importance of engaging, hands-on teaching, strong educator partnerships, and accessible resources to spark lasting interest in science. The webinar also mentioned AAI programs and resources for teacher outreach and professional development.

Keywords

immunology education

K-12 outreach

science engagement

teacher professional development

immune literacy

hands-on learning

microbiology research

community engagement

standards-aligned lessons