Genetic Lesson Plan Ideas

Genetics Education Center, University of Kansas

• Genetic Lesson Plans from teacher participants in the Human Genome Networking Project prior to October 1997
  • Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of the Human Genome Project
  • General Genetics, Inheritance Patterns, Genetic Counseling & Biotechnology
• Simulated Genetic Counseling Session, Medical Genetics, Univ. Kansas Medical Center
• Human Genome Project Internet Exercise I, and Exercise II, Genetics Education, Univ. KS Medical Center
• Genetics Curricula List
• Genetic Science Standards (K-12) and 2061 Benchmarks (principles of heredity and related concepts)
  

Genetic Programs / Centers / Lesson Plans

• Access Excellence lesson plans, Genentech, Inc.
• Aging and Genetics, Challenge of Cancer, Discovery Series Student/Teacher guides, BioRAP® (Biological Research for Animals and People), University of Connecticut, Science Education Partnership Award, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health
• Basic Principles of Genetics: An Introduction to Mendelian Genetics, DO'Neil, Palomar College San Marcos, California
• Basic Genetics In First and Second Grade, K Ayr, Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute
  
• Blood typing/ blood types
• Blazing a Genetic Trail - online book, Howard Hughes Medical Institutes. Includes information on Basic Genetics, the Human Genome Project, Glossary, more
• Animation Library (PCR, Southern blot, sequencing, polymorphisms), Cold Spring Harbor Lab DNA Learning Center
• Biology 320, BWalsh, University of Arizona
• Bioethics Internet Project  ethical challenges for students
• Biotech Adventures, Oklahoma State University, genetics, cells, mitosis, meiosis, chromosomes, karyotypes, DNA structure, RNA, more
• Cancer and Genes, BioRAP® (Biological Research for Animals and People)
• Cell phases observation, activities and labs, Ken-a-Vision Microscopes
• Children Resemble Their Parents, DNA Learning Center New
• Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance and Genes, Ohio State Univ.
• CAB International, agricultural and biological sciences cloning news, AgBiotechNet, Wallingford, Oxon, UK
• Case Studies: Marfan Syndrome,
  
  • Niños Desaparecidos: A Case Study About Genetics and Human Rights (Argentina), K Chamany, Science, Technology, and Society Program, New School University, teaching notes
  • Anna or Anastasia? DE Allen, University of Delaware, teaching notes
  • A Right to Her Genes (Breast Cancer), S Gal, State University of New York at Binghamton, and JW Klein, Middlesex Community College, teaching notes
  • Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer: Is a Little Knowledge a Dangerous Thing? CR Zales, Moravian College, PA Cases & role play: Tay-Sachs, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Huntington Disease. teaching notes
  • Hemophilia: "The Royal Disease", Y Aronova-Tiuntseva and CF Herreid, State University of New York
  • Death of Baby Pierre: Genetic Mystery (tyrosinemia), C Freeman Herreid, State University of New York
  • Sickle Cell Anemia: The Inquiry Begins, D Stamper, King's College , teaching notes
  • Gender: In the Genes or in the Jeans? (Sexual Differentiation), "How are Males and Females Different?", WJ Hoese, California State Univ Fullerton, J Gibber, Columbia Univ, and B Wood, Univ Maine Presque Isle, teaching notes
  • Can a Genetic Disease Be Cured? A Mother's Dilemma (muscular dystrophy), MS Hudecki, State University of New York, teaching notes
  • Sometimes it is All in the Genes (cystic fibrosis), (.pdf) A Galbraith & D Howard, University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, teaching notes
  • Genetics Meets the Real World (Marfan Syndrome)
    
• Cells Alive! cells, images, Quicktime movies
• Create a DNA Fingerprint, RGroleau, NOVA
• Designer Genes, ThinkQuest, quizzes, history, Punnett squares, recombinant DNA, retroviruses, electrophoresis, homework help, last updated 1998
• DNA Files, radio explorations of the science and social issues of the genetics revolution, funded by Department of Energy, Human Resources Dept., and the National Science Foundation
• DNA Introduction, Fun Science Stuff, Eureka Science, Corp.
• DNA Sequencing by Restriction Project, Advanced Biology Class, Tracy High School, CA
• Decisions, Access Excellence
• DNA -- Finding a Sequence in the Genetic Haystack, The Tech Museum of Innovation,   bases in one cell would fill 1,000 phone books with A's, T's, G's and C's.  Locate small sections of DNA, play "Search for the Sequence" online and search through billions of bases
• DNA -- You are the Patient, The Tech Museum of Innovation, Huntington disease testing simulation
• DNA -- You are the Doctor, Tech Museum of Innovation, colon cancer genetic testing simulation
• Decisions, Decisions! A Genetics Role-playing Activity, S Nelson, access excellence
• Design Pedigree for Color Blindness, imaginary family
• DNA Replication Zippers, Colored Yarn Genes, DNA Beads, DNA Models, Creative Writing Assessment Tool for DNA Sequencing, Mitosis/Meiosis Flip Books, Marshmallow Meiosis, Clothesline Translation, Genetics Reader, Paper Plasmid Lab (from Keystone Science), Encyclopedia Analogy Topic (Difference Between a Chromosome and a Gene), Cat Gag Tag Act (an Analogy), Ethical Decision Making Framework, DNA Sequence Films, Rubber Tubing Model of Supercoiled DNA, PTC Paper (Inheritance of Genetic Traits), Collected lesson ideas, University of Washington
• DNA Testing: An Introduction For Non-Scientists, D.E.Riley, University of Washington, 1998
• DNA Workshop Activity, Science Odyssey, WGBH, PBS Online, 1998
• Food for Thought: DNA Cookie Analogy, Center for Biology Education, University of Wisconsin - Madison, or “Chips” Off the Old Block?
• Exploratorium genetics exhibit - ethics cases, Huntington disease scenario and Cystic fibrosis scenario
• Frank Potter's Science Gems - Life Science I - Molecular Genetics curricula links
• Gene Mapping Workshop, Biology 510 (Developmental Genetics), Lander University, Greenwood Genetic Center New
• Gene Puzzles, Science NetLinks, AAAS New
• Gene School, Thinkquest
• Generations, BSCS, Kendall Hunt, 2000. Use jelly beans to show inheritance of traits over generations. Colored M&M's can be ordered to use also
• Genetic Counseling Game, Linda Casebolt, 1994 Woodrow Wilson Biology Institute
• Genetic and Disease Lesson Plans: Activities, Teachers' Guides, Human Genome, McRel
• Genetic Education for Native Americans
, Native American Cancer Research
• Genetic Education Materials, Greenwood Genetic Center
• Genetic Booklets and Brochures Online
• Genetics and DNA, Skowronski's Science connection, biology teacher at Berkley High School
• Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah, Eccles Institute of Human Genetics: How to extract DNA from anything living, What can our chromosomes tell us? (old version or New version), Match up Chromosome Pairs, Finding a gene on the chromosome map, How mutations occur, How mutation causes Genetic Disorders, Mutate a DNA Sentence!, also Basic Genetics, Genetic Disorders, What are Genetic Disorders, Breast Cancer Genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2, Classroom Activities Index
• Genetics super-sleuth, University of Queensland, Australia
• Genetic traits: cooperative project, Milwaukee Telecommunications Project
• Genetic Activities, Stevens Institute of Technology, Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education
• Genomics and Its Impact on Medicine and Society: A 2001 Primer, (.pdf) Department of Energy (DOE), Slides (powerpoint)
• Human Population Genotypes Simulator, (requires java), vary alleles studied, population numbers, generations, and survival rates, view results as graph form or allele frequency histogram
• Human Genetics: A Worldwide Search for the Dominant Trait - Do You Have It?, Stevens Institute of Technology, Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE), September 6 - December 6, 2002 New
• Human Genome Project Internet Exercise, research genetic disorders online, rate value of accumulated web sites, ratings are based on assuming the role of a person affected by a genetic disorders
• Hispanic Educational Genome Project, includes Spanish version, Department Biology and Microbiology, California State University, Los Angeles, CA
, 1998
• Heredity / Genetics Lesson Plans, EXPLORER science curriculum K-12, Univ. Kansas
• How Do We Inherit Our Biological Characteristics? Thornridge High School Biology Telegenetics Project (Cystic fibrosis, Marfan syndrome, Huntington disease, Breast cancer, Fragile-X syndrome, Sickle cell anemia, Hemophilia, etc.)
• How to Extract DNA from Anything Living, Genetic Science Learning Center at the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah
• Human DNA Fingerprinting Lab Protocol (Detection of Alu by PCR), 1994 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, DNA Learning Center
• Instruction Manual for All Life - visually-appealing "picture book" of genetic principles, step-by-step process of genetics, starting with examination of the human hand, zooming in to cell nucleus and beyond. Easy to navigate for young users (K-6)
• I've Got a Secret, JHResier, The Tech Museum of Innovation, genetic / DNA fingerprinting
• Interactive Genetics, UCLA
• International Data Report, Genome Database. Genetic diseases located by chromosome location or alphabetical listing of genes. Updated frequently
• Introduction to Genetics, two games (matching, flash card, jeopardy style) with feedback for introduction, practice, quiz
• Karyotyping Activity, human chromosome digital images, students arrange chromosomes into karyotypes, interpret findings, The Biology Project, University of Arizona, June 1998 (also in Spanish)
• Making A Face: Converting Genotypes, into Phenotypes by Simulating Gametogenesis, Fertilization and Embryogenesis, TAtkins, JRoderick
• Meiosis animations, Modern Genetics
• Mendelian Genetics 7.01, Biology Hypertextbook, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), includes diagrams, problems. Mendelian genetics, crosses, sex-linkage, meiosis, linkage, mapping, genetic research
• Mendel's principles, powerpoint of Mendel's principles, Horton High School, Nova Scotia
• Microscopes, Cells, DNA and You, University of Washington / National Science Foundation, includes: What do you know about DNA?, Trait Tree, Traits and Characteristics, Who am I Game, What makes a Human, DNA Gel Electrophoresis: what are we doing with DNA, and how do we analyze DNA?, DNA and Information, and DNA Summary
• Mitosis: Chromosome Replication & Division, and Teacher Guide, adaptable for elementary classes
• Mitosis, Science NetLinks, AAAS New
• Modern Genetics for All Students, Washington University Science Outreach
• Mystery Bull, Flushing Community Schools, 1998
• New Scientist Magazine overview of cloning
• Pediatric genetic cases for discussion, Utah Museum of Natural History - other genetic cases
• Pedigree Intro and Practice, phenotypes and pedigree symbols, sample pedigree, pedigree problem solving, tutorial
• Question of Genes, PBS program on genetic testing, teacher guide available, 9/16/97
• Reebops, developed by Patti Soderberg, Center for Biology Education, University of Wisconsin - Madison, download .pdf
• Rebops, Access Excellence; school projects, Science Man
• ReeBops, small (fictional) organisms that live in discarded soda cans, lesson plan at several sites: Hazlet Middle School, TelGenetics (other genetics), Erie City School District (marshmallows), Marshmallow Meiosis, iloveteaching.com
• Science Explained: The Cloning of Dolly technology, cloning Dolly the sheep
Spooling DNA - several resources
• Teaching Activities, Dudley Wright Center Teacher/Scholar Recipients, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Teaching About Inherited Human Disorders Through Case Studies, J Boroditsky, H DeYoung & J Jones,
  1994, Woodrow Wilson Biology Institute
• Translocation chromosome animation, Modern Genetics
  
• Undergraduate genetics courses, North Carolina State University
• Understanding:   The Power of Genes, Discovery Channel, March-June 1999, Science of Cloning Classroom Activities, School Store
• Understanding Gene Testing, details behind the technical procedures involved in gene testing
• Virtual Fly Lab principles of genetic inheritance, interactive experiments using virtual fruit flies
• Your Genes, Your Health, Dolan DNA Learning Center New
• Woodrow Wilson Biology Institute, Neurobiology Lesson plans, includes Populations to Molecules: Heredity at All Levels (1994), and other teacher programs and lesson plans
• What Does "Genetic" Mean, Athro Limited, includes Human Eye Color explanation, interactive Punnett Squares
• Welcome to Morgan: A Genetics Tutorial principles of genetics for high school biology

Genetic Museum Exhibits

Curriculum development resources:

• Biology Animation Site, DNA Learning Center, Cold Springs Harbor [Polymerase Chain Reaction, Southern blotting, Cycle Sequencing, DNA detective, Polymorphisms,Transposition]
• Cloning of Dolly, Science Explained
• Cytogenetics and other Chromosome related sites
• Cytogenetics Gallery, Pathology Department, University of Washington, Seattle - chromosomes, karyotypes, definitions
• Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics / the Genetic Code, MIT Hypertextbook (DNA replication, code, mutations)
• DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor, "Biology Animation" PCR / Southern Blotting Animation [needs shockwave]
• DNA's Role in Tales from the Crypt, Czar of Russia and family
• Genetic Education Materials (GEM) Database, search, public health genetics policies, clinical genetics educational materials
• Genetic Code, SDBlack, Univ. Texas Health Center, Tyler, table of nucleic acid triplet and corresponding amino acid
• Genes by Chromosome, hosted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland USA
• Guidelines for Reporting and Writing About People with Disabilities, University of Kansas, national associations
, theArc
• Human Genetic Chromosome Idiograms, University of Washington
• Introduction to G6PD Deficiency
• Kid Guide to Switches (explanation of inheritance "switched genes")
• Lessons for teaching biology to prospective elementary school teachers
, San Diego State University (SDSU) College of Sciences
• Molecular Biology Teacher Resources, AT&T ENRICH (AT&T, Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and the Illinois State Board of Education)
• Pedigree Studies, Human Genetic Traits (Variation),and Chromosome Study-Karyotyping, Mr. Biology
• Primer on Molecular Genetics, Department of Energy (DOE)
• Sheep Cloning, Roslin Institute, Scotland
• Science Standards 5: genetics standards, K-12, links to state and national standards, Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory (McREL), science resources by topic (from Project 2061: Benchmarks for Science Literacy, p.106)
• Taryn's Club Med - kids with genetic conditions, web pages for kids
• TeacherLINK, University of Utah, numerous resources, lesson plan development ideas
• Why Files: background on Science News, some genetic
• ZeroBio Quiz, Central Secondary School, Ontario, Canada

Barriers to Teaching about Genetics / Science / Molecular genetics (e.g., student misconceptions, lack of resources, interest & motivation of students, lack of student prior knowledge, intuitive ideas held by students, limited time and laboratory space)

• Misconceptions as Barriers to Understanding Science, Science Teaching Reconsidered, National Academy Press
• Time, Money, Mentors: Overcoming Barriers to Undergraduate Research, KBrown, (.pdf), Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• The Role of Scientists in the Professional Development of Science Teachers, National Academy Press
• Teaching about Prenatal Development in Biology, EO Orville, Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute
• Challenging the Traditional Role of Teaching, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Public Health Genetics: Implications of the ‘New Genetics’ for Primary care, School of Health and Related Research, U.K.
  

Search for genetic education resources, schoolzone.com, United Kingdom

Biology-Related Links, many genetic ideas, Jo Wu, Fullerton College

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Revised November 22, 2004

   

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Genetics Education Center
University of Kansas Medical Center © 1995-2008
Debra Collins, M.S. CGC, Genetic Counselor, dcollins@kumc.edu


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