Elementary Genetic Genome Lesson Plans

Elementary Genetic Education Ideas

Debra Collins, M.S., Genetic Counselor
University of Kansas Medical Center
(913) 588-6043, dcollins@kumc.edu

Activities:

Differences / variation

Observe different features in class (widows peak, attached ear lobes, rolling tongue) compare. Look up heritability of these traits. Chart differences using photos / chart provided.

Use "Heredity Board "with faces to show inheritance of traits from generation to generation, show others

Take fingerprints and compare differences (use kit provided). Look up differences in finger prints, research FBI use of fingerprints (whorls, loops, arch)

Try "tasting" the various kinds of paper in the kit. Does anyone in the class have an "invisible difference" when they "taste" the PTC paper?

One of the blood groups important to know about when you, for medical reasons, get blood from another person. This is ABO blood type (on the number 10 chromosome). Roll the "blood group dice" to see what combinations of blood types a child might have. Make a chart.

Observer differences in people - everyone stands, divides themselves into two groups by differences / likeness, again and again until groups of one. Observe how people are alike, and observe how they are different.

"People" by Peter Spier, or book about dog who no one wants at first, then like his differences. Write or talk about how "differences" can be good.

Chance / probability:

Beach ball probability – bounce a beach ball [with 4 colors] around the room. Each time it lands on a color, call it out, and have a recorder mark it down. Make a chart of the colors. What is the number of times it hit each color? Discuss the chances something could happen if there are only 4 possibilities

Taking a family history:

Simulated Family History - use forms from KU Medical Center or from March of Dimes, use template (provided, to keep), to draw by hand, a family "tree", take home, keep confidential, can do neighbor, friend or famous family (i.e., royalty, rock stars, movie stars if prefer) – see Internet page for standard symbols
Computer program to draw family tree – Cyrillic, etc
Jellybean activity, color in jellybeans on family tree provided, take jellybeans out of cups, to represent next generation, then again for next generation. Compare results (Genes and Surroundings Curriculum, BSCS)
Make two puppets, one for the mother, one for the father. Make a child that has some traits of each parent

Chromosomes:

Cut out pictures of chromosomes from photographs (numbered)
Look at real chromosomes from lab at KU, with microscope and attached monitor
Trip to chromosome lab
Read a book about a child with a chromosome problem (Down Syndrome), give a report

Genetics in Medicine

Fill out a simulated family history form and medical form. Chose family members for the "family". Have a genetic counselor talk to your "family" about genetic conditions
Research a genetic condition in books or on the Internet. Write a "brochure for a family" explaining the things you think they would want to know
Imagine you have a "brother" or "sister" or other family member with a genetic condition. Write a story about it. Look at the brochure with recommendation about writing about individuals with differences.
Watch a videotape about a family who has someone with a genetic condition. Write a report about the condition.
Write your questions about genetics (after you have learned some things), e-mail an expert!
Ask a person from a local parent support group to come talk to the class. [Down syndrome, Dwarfism, Marfan syndrome, Ichthyosis, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, etc.]. Write a thank you note to thank them for coming.
Make a list of Internet keywords you would use to look up genetic information.

Internet and Genetics

Look up resources for different situations or genetic "cases"

Middle School:

"Exploring the Human Genome" a 24-page issue of Your World/Our World: Biotechnology and You. Magazine, developed by the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association (PBA) for teaching biotechnology to students in grades 7 through 10, is also appropriate for adult lay audiences. Articles and learning activities explore the Human Genome Project; DNA
structure and function; genes, proteins, and genetic disease; mapping; invention of the polymerase chain reaction; informatics; Huntington’s Disease; and ELSI implications of genome research. This special genome issue is made available in part by DOE, which provided a complimentary copy to every 7th- to 10th-grade U.S. science teacher (about 40,000).

Building on concepts introduced in the Human Genome issue, the 15-page "New Diagnostics" issue of Your World/ Our World is devoted to techniques used to detect disease. Articles cover such topics as immuno- and genetic diagnostics, strep throat control, and safeguarding the blood bank. Sample copy of Human Genome issue and price list available from HGMIS (see contact information on p. 10). [PBA, 800/796-5806 or 814/238-4080, Fax: -4081, 73150.1623@compuserve.Com]

Secrets of the Code Program, 3-2-1 Contact, Public Broadcast System (PBS) explores topics such as cytogenetics, family history/pedigrees, recessive inheritance, and genetic variation

Other resources

Education Ideas / Medical Genetics
You, Me and Others, BSCS / March of Dimes
BSCS Curricular Programs

Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences

Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire, BA Soloman, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences, Support 4 Learning, United Kingdom
Learning Styles (.ppt), Ramesh Mehay, Bradford VTS
Kolb's Four Dominant Learning Skills, Learning and Teaching, Australia
Learning Styles, resources, J Rowe
Learning Style Counseling
Know your learning styles
Learning Styles - Great Minds Don't Think Alike, R Dunn, St. John's University, NY, K Dunn, Queen's College, NY (Whitefield, 1993)
Learning Styles and the Online Environment
CTL Learning Style Site

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