Bioethics: Debates in Human Genetics

Adolescents have the opportunity to consider how they feel about the possibilities presented by the current availability of genetic sequencing. After some instruction, they participate in a four-corners activity in which you read a...

The highlight of this lesson plan is a 53-minute investigative video, Can Science Stop Crime?" The question asked is whether or not aggressive behavior is caused by genetic factors. The answer has to do with genetic complexity, the...

If you knew that you were likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in your future, how would it affect your life in the meantime? This and other similar thought-provoking questions are discussed in a lesson plan about the availability of...

Humans can be tested for the presence of the BRCA gene, whose presence is an indicator that they have a greater chance of acquiring breast cancer than someone without the gene. Viewers have an opportunity to explore how genes and...

Disease prevention or designer babies? Use a set of slides to introduce the growing practice of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD. Teens read related articles and then break into groups to address different scenarios. Afterward,...

Simplify the teaching of basic genetics with this engaging cross-curricular science experiment. Using different kinds candy to represent the genes for determining eye shape in humans, young geneticists test the accuracy of Punnett...

Should genetic scientists be permitted to alter mtDNA to eliminate birth defects? That is the question examined in Rob Stein's article for NPR that explores the ethical issues raised by this research.

Geneticist Spencer Wells continues in part 11 off the 13-part Journey of Man series. Your class will witness the amazing survival techniques employed by the Chuchi people that are probably very similar to the techniques used by our Ice...

Deep inside the Arctic Circle, Spencer continues his quest to find the migratory path and lifestyle that led to human success. Again human variation is explained in terms of physical adaptations ignited by environmental extremes. This...

Explore how our chromosomes work to define human attributes. A complete unit presentation includes topics such as genetic disorders, blood typing, and Punnet squares. Learners answer questions throughout the presentation to apply the...