Virginia Tech receives $50K federal grant for K-12 aquaculture science curriculum

Title: integrating virtual reality and environmental dna citizen science to inspire the next generation of aquaculture professionals pd: dong, mengyi institution modern aquaculture increasingly relies on biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and digital technologies, yet many high school students have limited opportunities to explore these emerging fields or learn about careers in the food and agricultural sciences. The project will develop an immersive educational program integrating virtual reality (vr), environmental dna (edna), and career exploration to introduce students to sustainable aquaculture, aquatic biosecurity, and agricultural biotechnology. The project will produce three integrated instructional modules: (1) immersive vr experiences highlighting Virginia aquaculture and aquatic biosecurity, (2) a hands-on edna citizen science curriculum, and (3) agricultural career exploration activities. Additional products include standards-aligned lesson plans, laboratory activities, instructional guides, teacher professional development resources, assessment tools, and an online educational hub featuring Virginia aquaculture educational materials.