Making Discovery the Point of Science Class

Algae Research and Supply Inc. has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant from the U.S. Department of Education, through the Institute of Education Sciences, to support a project focused on discovery driven science in classrooms.

The goal is simple. Give students the tools to discover something real.

What Students Are Actually Discovering

This project centers on a bioprospecting kit for microalgae. Students collect local samples, isolate strains, grow them, and test their properties. In doing so, they are not repeating known outcomes. They are exploring what is actually living in their environment.

That matters because many algae species are still undocumented. Some student isolates may represent species that have never been described. Others may show unusual traits that point toward real world applications.

Why These Discoveries Matter

Algae are not just teaching tools. They are biologically active organisms with enormous practical potential.

Student discoveries in this project can connect directly to real outcomes, including:

• New antibacterial and antifungal compounds
  Many algae produce secondary metabolites that inhibit bacteria and fungi. Discovering strains with these properties opens pathways toward new antimicrobial candidates.

• Soil amendments and crop stimulants
  Certain algae promote plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, or enhance soil microbiomes. Student tested strains may identify candidates useful in sustainable agriculture.

• New animal feed sources
  Algae are already used in aquaculture and livestock feed. Discovering fast growing or nutrient rich strains has direct implications for food systems.

• Carbon dioxide removal and climate projects
  Algae fix carbon efficiently. Identifying strains with high growth rates or environmental tolerance supports future CO₂ removal and climate mitigation efforts.

Students are not just learning about these applications. They are participating in the earliest stages of finding the organisms that make them possible.

What Phase I Delivers

During Phase I, we are building and testing safe, classroom ready protocols for algae isolation and characterization. We are pairing those methods with curriculum aligned to NGSS, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science, and piloting them with real teachers and students.

A successful outcome means students can independently collect a sample, isolate a strain, grow it, test it, and describe why it might matter.

Looking Ahead

This grant supports the foundation. Future phases will expand into genetic characterization and shared databases where student discoveries can contribute to a broader scientific record.

Discovery should not be reserved for professional labs. With the right tools, it belongs in classrooms too.