George Mason University implemented a novel undergraduate research program using the one-room schoolhouse method. The program integrated environmental microbiology and GIS to study how soil bacteriophage genomes change in response to climate factors. Over three weeks, undergraduates and high school students worked together to collect soil samples, isolate bacteriophages, and use GIS to visualize phage and climate data. Student surveys found positive views of the peer-mentorship approach and research skills gained. The program will continue using computational bioinformatics and as an upper-level course for a new bioinformatics concentration.