Human Genes

Explore single-gene traits in humans. After viewing a video introducing genetic vocabulary, individuals identify their phenotype and possible genotypes of specific traits. They consider both dominant and recessive traits. This is the...

Six different chromosome activites introduce biology aces to heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, sex-linked traits, and the human genome. The hands-on activites are fairly simple for the teacher to prepare and will prove to be both...

Thirteen short-answer questions query young geneticists on this instructional activity. Learners define important genetics vocabulary words and explain related concepts. Supplement this instructional activity with some Punnett square...

The surge in human population in the last 2,000 years, due in large part to better health care, has brought a surge in the demand for resources and in pollution. The graphics, photographs, and real-life examples in a thought-provoking...

Do you know how many chromosomes humans have? Do you know how many of those chromosomes we share with the chimpanzee? A perfect introduction to DNA for your middle schoolers, this video uses a ton of visuals to clearly illustrate the...

No, you didn't get your genes from the local clothing store. Learn where they really come from by watching this video as it explores how the genes found in all plants and animals today have arisen over billions of years of mutations from...

The world of genetics and DNA is much clearer than it was 25 years ago, in large part due to the success of the Human Genome Project. Watch a short, engaging video about the dueling organizations who raced to be the first to sequence the...

Welcome to the complex biological story that is our life. Great visual imagery zooms in on the dissection of a DNA double helix in our body. What happens with RNA? Where do amino acids come in? This resource explores our inner workings...

Got milk? Only two cultures have had it long enough to develop the tolerance of lactose as an adult. Learn how the responsible genes evolved along with the cultures that have been consuming milk. This rich film is supplied with a few...

Middle schoolers come to understand that in sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, typically half of the genes come from each parent. Students examine a fictional pedigree and determine which gene is responsible for a given...