Embedded Files
Read this "Science News Explores" article (readability score: 6.6) about scientists who study the genetics of cats, relationships between dogs and humans, and diseases that pass from animals to humans.
Note: Due to the length of this article, you may want to break students into groups and ask each group to read the introduction and then one of the three sections. Student groups can share what they have learned with the class OR direct students to just read the introduction and the "Niney-nine lives" section since it is most relevant to this unit. This article is also found in Unit 6.2.
Suggested classroom use: Have students answer these classroom questions before, during, and after reading.
(Note: Teachers will need to provide an email address to register for free access to the questions.)
Use this Kiddle encyclopedia article with students to help them answer the question, "How do scientists use their knowledge of genes in the real world?"
Suggested Classroom Use: Use the article as a classroom warm-up.
Explore the field of genetics with this website. The website includes a video (4:02) and a video transcript.
Suggested Classroom Use: Utilize the discussion guide, a classroom lesson plan, or this activity.
In this two-part lesson from National Agriculture in the Classroom, students extract DNA from a strawberry and explore careers in biotechnology. The lesson is designed to take two days.
Suggested Classroom Use: Incorporate this activity at the end of the unit or as an enrichment activity when the students need a break from the regular routine. Ask students to reflect on the biotechnology careers that they explored.
In this Science News Explores activity, students can take on the role of a geneticist by investigating whether fingerprint patterns are inherited. The activity is designed to take 2-5 class periods.
Suggested Classroom Use: Use as an extension activity at the end of the unit.
Have students read this Science News Explores article to learn more about the pathway that one woman followed to become a forensic scientist. Now she is using her experiences to help and inspire others!
Suggested Classroom Use: Have students complete this reading guide.
Meet DNA scientist Bruce Jackson in this video. He is studying how DNA can help solve mysteries of human evolution and ancestry. Bruce is also an expert scuba diver; which has led to his investigation of African ancestry by exploring sunken slave ships using an underwater robotic survey system he developed. Includes a video (2:32), teaching tips, and support materials for use with students.
Suggested classroom use: Have students complete this student guide.
Suggested Classroom Use: Show one of the videos below as a warm-up or when there are only a few minutes of class time left. Utilize one of the reflection forms below with students.
Use this Career Connections Video Student Reflection Guide to engage your students!
Use this LINK video reflection resource to help students focus.
Use this graphic organizer from education.com. Ask students to research any information that isn't provided in the video.
Teachers need to create a free account to access the organizer.
In this short video (3:24), geneticist Niki Patel talks about her research looking at the genetics of cancer.
Deirdre Lyons studies genetic mysteries such as "Why does one gene make a shell in a snail and the same gene make an eye in an octopus?" Watch this video (1:54) to learn more. Read the complete interview here.
Watch this video (3:13) from Scientific American to learn about genetic engineering and GMOs. Use this version from YouTube or this interactive version from Edpuzzle.
This video (2:06) features a gene therapist who is working to create therapies for Covid patients.
Research Links:
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