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In this lesson, students explore some of the risks and benefits of gene-based medicine. They look at concerns related to genetic testing (which looks for particular genetic variations) and personal genome sequencing (which sequences the entire genome of an individual). Through videos and discussions, students learn about existing technologies for genetic testing and therapies. They also explore matters such as the emotional consequences of genetic testing, discrimination, and privacy issues. In small groups, students discuss scenarios and then share and analyze related opinions and concerns.

NIH module on Sickle cell anemia.  A bit dated but provides a nice visual on sickling

The dewlaps of Anolis lizards provide a classic example of a complex signaling system whose function and evolution is poorly understood. Dewlaps are flaps of skin beneath the chin that are extended and combined with head and body movements for visual signals and displays. They exhibit extensive morphological variation and are one of two cladistic features uniting anoles, yet little is known regarding their function and evolution.

Men shed more bacteria into their surroundings than women do, studies have shown. Now scientists have found that men and women have different effects on the variety of bacteria inside a home, too. The variation comes down to skin biology and "perhaps to body size and hygiene practices," note researchers who sequenced the genes in dust that had settled on the tops of doors in 1,200 homes across the U.S. Dogs apparently alter indoor bacteria more extensively than humans or cats. The bacterial signatures of each of these living beings are unique enough that by simply testing dust in a home, investigators can accurately predict if more women or men live there and if dogs or cats do as well.

Researchers in a new study at the University of Edinburgh have honed in on five of 89 independent variations in human genetics that are believed to be responsible for autoimmune conditions, from celiac disease and multiple sclerosis to rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Understanding how these mechanisms work could help scientists to develop new treatments. The team found that a mutation in the ADAR1 gene causes a defect in an "alarm system" in cells that normally protects the body from viruses and other infections by triggering the body's immune system to fight.

The theory of evolution by natural selection is simple, elegant, and profound. Yet, a large number of undergraduate students including biology majors, medical students, and pre-service science teachers maintain a large set of misconceptions that interfere with a solid understanding of the process of natural selection. It is also well known that lecturing is an insufficient strategy to help students confront and correct these misconceptions. This activity uses the evolution of coat color in oldfield mice (Peromyscus polionotus) as the basis of a case study in which students investigate the role of variation, heritability, and selection in the evolution of a trait. Students examine graphs, data, and excerpts from a series of papers that have been published about this system over the last 100 years. The content is delivered as an interrupted case and encourages peer-to-peer teaching and interaction. The case is appropriate for use in non-major, introductory, or advanced biology courses.

The Hardy-Weinberg equation is a relatively simple mathematical equation that describes a very important principle of population genetics: the amount of genetic variation in a population will remain the same from generation to generation unless there are factors driving the frequencies of certain alleles (genetic variants) to change.

From exhibit RACE, digital resources

Students can manipulate mutations in bunnies, such as fur color and teeth length. By altering the environmental factors, students can see how the bunny populations change over time. For example, in a warm environment, more bunnies will have brown fur, but in the cold environment, more bunnies will have white fur. The student worksheet includes instructions on how the simulator works. Then students perform a variety of "experiments" to explore mutations in the populations. I include this as part of a unit on evolution, so students are familiar with VIDA charts. Students complete a chart at the end of the activity to summarize how variations in populations lead to adaptation.

BLOSSOMS video lessons are enriching students' learning experiences in high school classrooms from Brooklyn to Beirut to Bangalore. Our Video Library contains over 50 math and science lessons, all freely available to teachers as streaming video and Internet downloads and as DVDs and videotapes.

Genetics Drop Box curricular unit

Explore eight different mutations with graphics, gene explanations, and phenotypic effects.

There are a significant number of genetics curriculum resources designed by different companies, curriculum development outlets, state curriculum designers and individual teachers. What resources are good? How do you know? As part of the Geneticist-Educator Network of Alliances (GENA) Project, a Curriculum Content Review Committee was formed to review readily available classroom resources about patterns of inheritance. Click here to see original evaluation form used by the committee and here to see the summary of the committee's review.