This problem challenges students to design experiments using techniques measuring gene expression (reverse transcriptase PCR, microarrays, in situ hybridization).

The topic of this video module is genetic basis for variation among humans. The main learning objective is that students will learn the genetic mechanisms that cause variation among humans (parents and children, brothers and sisters) and how to calculate the probability that two individuals will have an identical genetic makeup. [32:01]

This pathway provides an introduction to genetic disorders including examining the different ways genetic information may be changed and specific examples of genetic disease. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway Modern Understandings of Inheritance from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.

This site from the University of Arizona runs a two-step simulation of Genetic Drift. There are teacher's notes included. A great site to aid in understanding Genetic Drift.

Get it all straight! The "Tour of the Basics" will help clarify the basic principals of genetics science from DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, heredity, and traits.

This video examines the threat of a virus being spread from birds to humans, and then from humans to humans. It details the mechanisms viruses use to infect cells, and explores how mutations in a virus may change its virulence and how it can spread. It also looks at work being done with a re-created flu virus -- from the deadly 1918 strain -- that may help prevent future flu pandemics. [5:08]

In this video profile adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, learn about geneticist and rock musician Pardis Sabeti, whose innovative insights into natural selection demonstrated how beneficial mutations spread quickly through a population.

This pathway explores how we inherit our phenotypes and the origin of genetic diseases.

The Geniverse software is being developed as part of a five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. Still in its early stages, a Beta version of the software is currently being piloted in six schools throughout New England. We invite you to try the current Beta version, keeping in mind that you may encounter errors or pages that are not fully functional. If you encounter any problem, it may help to refresh or reload the web page.

In this episode, we hear from George Church, a true pioneer of synthetic biology and genomics. George will share possible silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic, draw parallels between personalized medicine and personalized learning and explore what it means to really think outside of the box. A new virtual interview series from LabXchange at Harvard University, the Xchange showcases the diverse roles, projects, and initiatives that make up the intersecting fields of science, education, and health. Hosted by LabXchange Faculty Director Robert Lue, our first season features a range of perspectives on the impact of COVID-19.

Georgetown University site with a lengthy article on many aspects of gene therapy. Includes background and historical information and numerous resources on the topic. Focus here is on the ethics of these types of therapies.

There is a lot of resistance to genetic modification and the use of genetically modified crops. What is the science? This unit helps to provide some background in cell function and DNA properties, helping students to understand how genetic modification can make a difference. The developments in biotechnology are highlighted and students create a marketing campaign for GMO’s. This unit features 6 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

The poultry industry has changed dramatically since the early 1900s. Demand for chicken and turkey has skyrocketed. Did you know that chicken is the most popular meat choice in America? This e-learning course explores how farmers keep up with demand and create high-quality poultry products through proven breeding practices. At the end of this course you will be able to: Describe how consumer preferences have impacted poultry breeding. Explain how selective breeding has improved poultry genetics. Describe how hybridization improves the inherited traits of poultry. Identify breed-specific traits in poultry. This course was developed with support from the Ohio Poultry Association.

Do your students struggle to understand the “central dogma” of biology? Are you looking for innovative teaching techniques? This unit is an integrated art and science project to teach transcription and translation, which is also known as “central dogma”. This process explains how sequences of DNA are interpreted by organelles in the cell and are expressed as specific proteins. It is a core idea in understanding molecular genetics. Students will create a three-paneled work of art that models the process of transcription and translation. Explicit instructions make this unit accessible to science teachers. This unit features 4 lessons and 15 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

This STEM-based poultry curriculum uses immersive learning experiences and real genetic samples for your students to dive deep in the future evolution of our food. See how environment influences heredity, and explore the evidence that suggests T. rex as our modern chicken’s and turkey’s ancestor. This unit features 4 lessons and 10 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

You may have heard about Colony Collapse Disorder, a syndrome likely caused by multiple factors that results in the deaths of many honeybee colonies. Become a diagnostic researcher and use bioinformatic tools to discover some of the pathogens that may be responsible. This unit features 3 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Grow soybeans using Round-Up Ready seeds to illustrate how biotechnology can be used as a tool to increase production. Introduce students to different options for growing soybeans, investigate no-till farming versus conventional cultivation and the effects of each on soil fertility, and analyze Round-up Ready soybean growth. Students share the results of their investigations in a technical paper. This unit features 3 lessons and 9 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Create experiments to test how abiotic factors impact soybean germination, go into the field and laboratory to determine the impact of aphid populations on soybeans, and experiment with aphid resistant genes (Rag genes) to determine their effectiveness against soybean aphids. This unit features 3 lessons and 10 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

An introduction to genetic engineering through hands-on and modeling activities that illustrate concepts, which will scaffold student understanding for lab activities to follow, especially focused on the use of bacteria. This unit features 5 lessons and 14 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Participate in a simulation that shows how various factors influence plant growth and what role probability plays. Powerpoint with instructions and information included. This unit features 1 lesson and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.