Illumina Genomic Discoveries
The Illumina Genomic Discoveries (IGD) program empowers teachers to create meaningful, work-based learning experiences for high school students in the field of genomics. Through a partnership between Generation STEAM and Illumina, students step into the role of real scientists, using industry-grade Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and following the same lab workflows used in the biotech field today.
IGD Lab-in-a-Box
IGD Virtual Experience
IGD Virtual Experience is a simulated lab program that brings Next-Generation Sequencing into the classroom without the need for physical lab equipment. Students use ancient DNA samples to investigate questions about human migration, preparing a DNA library and completing a library clean-up protocol through the Illumina Virtual Lab on a simulated iSeq™ 100 platform. The experience builds a deep, technical understanding of Illumina sequencing technology in a fully digital format.
Check out the Illumina Genomics Discovery Lab
Looking for Curriculum to Implement the Virtual Simulation Lab?
IGD Certified Educator Program
Are you interested in expanding on your own learning about the field of genomics and emerging technologies in the industry? Generation STEAM hosts in-person and virtual professional development opportunities to dive deeper into the field of genomics, general genetics concepts, bioinformatics, Next-Generation Sequencing and Sequencing-by-Synthesis technology. During this training educators will also receive guidance on curriculum integration, information about standards alignment and technical training for the Illumina Virtual Lab software and scaffolded curriculum to bring your learning into the classroom.
Additional Educator Resources
There are a variety of other resources and events that we support along with the Illumina Genomic Discoveries program. For example, we help support Illumina Future is Bright Campaign, as a celebration of DNA Day on April 25, where Illumina supports classroom career chats and provides DNA extraction kits to classrooms across the country. Interested in additional resources to support you and your students learning? Fill out this survey to let us know what resources you are interested in and we will follow up with you!