Genetics

These resources would be good to supplement a 9th grade Biology course. The resources are specifically related to Genetics but can be utilized in specialty courses such as Biotechnology. The resources below range from novels to interactive websites where students can manipulate the information, to animations about genetic processes and movies about DNA and genetics in society.

=__** Text Based **__=

1. ** Relics of Eden: The Powerful Evidence of Evolution in Human DNA by Daniel J. Fairbanks 2010. ** Students can read selected chapters that relate to the topic of focus in class. This book outlines many different ways that humans and chimpanzees are related using genetic evidence. This primate relationship is interesting and can be used to spark student interest. Lexile Level: 1340L

2. ** When a Gene Makes You Smell Like a Fish by Lisa Seachrist Chiu 2007. ** Students who need more of a challenge or are enrolled in an honors level course can read this technical human genetics novel. This book talks about genetic disorders and their genes in a comical manner. Lexile Level: 1590L

3. ** Amsel, Sheri. “Genetics Activities.” Genetics for Kids Mini-lecture and Punnett's Square Activity. Exploring Nature Educational Resource. © 2005 - 2014. ** This text breaks down the basics of Punnett Squares and hybrid crosses for those students who are just not getting it. This text removes complex vocabulary and focuses on the concept itself. Lexile Level: 820L

4. ** Making Sense of Secondary Science: Research into Children’s Ideas by Rosalind Driver et al. 1993. ** This resource is a great one for teachers because it outlines student misconceptions in particular subject areas and topics. Selected section of this would be used to refresh DNA and get a feel for what students know about Genetics right off the bat. All science teachers should have this text so they can be aware of common student misconceptions in the topics they are teaching. Lexile Level: 1020L

5. ** Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy by Robert Hazen and James Trefil 2009. ** Selected sections of this would be used to help students grasp scientific concepts. The material is aimed to reach the general reader and does not require any mastery in the topic being read. The book strays away from scientific jargon and offers comprehensive explanations. Lexile Level: 1330L

=__** Web Based **__=

1. This website breaks genetics down into small components that students can click on to read information, explore interactive sites, or watch animations for most major concepts that would be covered in a genetics unit. []

2. Selective breeding animation []

3. Sex Determination Interactive []

4. Genetics Web Lab Directory with interactive information about inheritance and labs/ activities that walk students though experiments such as Mendel’s Peas. []

5. Audio animation of monohybrid crosses that shows a step by step view of how to complete a monohybrid cross []

6. Website for teachers with many links for quick genetic supplements in the classroom []

=__** Unique Files **__=

1. Gattaca (1997) is a film set in a future when one's life is determined by genetic engineering rather than education or experience. The wealthy can choose the genetic makeup of their descendants.

2. Double Helix is a film about the discovery of DNA and the scientists involved in the process. []

3. Inheritance pedigree for hemophilia. This image is used quite often to display modes of inheritance and it is essential for students to learn how to read these images so they can make inferences about genetic events. []

4. Interactive information and student multiple choice exams for the following topics: Meiosis, Dihybrid crosses, Mutations, Natural selection and speciation, Maintaining water balance, Obtaining food, and Coping with danger []

5. Interactive information and student multiple choice exams for the following topics: Genes and I heritance, Testing and treating genetic diseases, and Coning and stem cells []

6. The Eyes of Nye- Cloning [] media type="custom" key="25461138"

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Watch this video screencast for a quick intro into a few of these resources! media type="custom" key="25461364"

Page created by: Keli Veillette 2014