As scientific technology and techniques advance at an ever-increasing rate, researchers should be mindful to aid in the development of foundational concepts useful to the next generation of researchers. Current techniques are often underrepresented in pre-baccalaureate level programs due to lack of funding, equipment and expertise. However, technological advances in the lab and classroom have extended our ability for collaboration on topics of increasing complexity through guided experimental inquiry. The fusion of engineering solutions and scientific investigation forms the backbone of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that drives K-12 curriculum. This creates a need for more inventive and technology-inclusive laboratory modules and opens the door to broader impact projects to aid in recruitment of the next generation of researchers. Through our collaboration with the USD 475 Geary County school district, we have integrated our lab’s research on muscle development into an inquiry-driven lab in which students use the model Drosophila melanogaster to examine the consequences of defective muscle proteins on overall organismal locomotion. Recently our lab has optimized a freely available ImageJ plugin for C. elegans, known as wrMTrck, to function as a tool for tracking the path and velocities of Drosophila L3 larvae. Biological structure-function relationships can easily be seen by using a genetic mutant for thin/abba, an E3 ubiquitin ligase found in muscle. Loss of proper protein turnover causes progressive degeneration of L3 somatic musculature and resulting locomotory handicaps. This laboratory module exposes students to the power of Drosophila for screening genes involved in muscle development and maintenance, as well as how to conduct and creatively analyze mutant phenotypes. We have adapted phases of experimental design to function in any normal high school lab via the use of iPhone/Android video capture and freely downloadable software installed on either PC or Mac computers. By providing accessible K-12 protocols modified from our own experimental procedures, we can motivate students to think critically, internalize scientific practices, and engage in authentic research experiences prior to their entry into institutes of higher education.