Plant models offer an overlooked yet powerful framework for teaching biotechnology and STEM skills. This multi-week experiment integrates hydroponics, tissue culture, hormone manipulation, and rhizobium nodulation to explore nitrogen fixation and nodulation efficiency. Students use qPCR and Nanopore 16S barcoding to analyze gene expression and microbial diversity. This problem-based learning experiment equips students with a challenge, fosters critical thinking and collaboration.