Genetics: Integrated with History and Art

The arts often reflect the social struggles and concerns in society. The third lesson plan of four links the arts to activism and environmental concerns. Scholars learn about the role of art and artists statements. and then create their...

A poignant 20-slide show introduces high schoolers to the amazing accomplishments of genomics and raises the question of eugenics. This lesson is only for mature audiences, as it deals with rape and other sensitive topics, but it is...

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.

What do cereal, fog, and space shuttles have to do with newspapers? A collection of science investigations encourage critical thinking using connections to the various parts of the newspaper. Activities range from building origami seed...

How can you teach your class about monohybrid genetics in a simple yet timely manner? Pupils view the short video segment, which thoroughly describes a genetic cross featuring one trait, and learn about the underlying principles of...

Part five of the 13-part series begins with a refutable argument stating that genetically, the ancient people of Australia were populated by the first African ancestors. Spencer Wells travels to India to find the link that bridges...

Students identify relationships between scientific concepts and their historical roots. They discuss and debate issues of ethics in science, specifically on the concept of genetic engineering and describe the processes of cloning and...

High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...

Part 12 starts with the Navajo story of creation and the journey of the ancient ancestors. Spencer argues the facts of this story with his genetic evidence. This episode recaps the journey thus far and attempts to describe the difference...

Rules are not meant to be broken in genetics. Scholars learn to build Punnett squares to track the inheritance of dominant and recessive traits in an interactive animation activity. Online questions help individuals reflect on their...