Genetics Galore: Diseases, Traits & More!

High School Grade

Project
1 week

Genetics Galore: Diseases, Traits & More!

Mackenzie Robinson

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in a comprehensive exploration of genetics and its impact on human health. Through hands-on activities, students will investigate the genetic basis of diseases, analyze inheritance patterns, and consider the implications for medical treatments. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of genetic concepts and develop their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking and collaborative skills.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how genetics influence the development of diseases and the implications for medical treatments. They will enhance their ability to analyze genetic data through case studies and pedigree mapping, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students will refine their communication skills by creating educational infographics and participating in role-play scenarios as genetic counselors, effectively conveying complex genetic concepts to various audiences.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
NGSS - HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, viable errors occurring during replication, and/or mutations caused by environmental factors.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Products

Students will develop a series of educational infographics that illustrate the inheritance patterns of genetic traits, utilizing real-world examples and case studies. These infographics will be part of a digital portfolio that also includes a family pedigree analysis and a case study on a genetic disorder. Throughout the project, students will engage in role-play simulations as genetic counselors, culminating in a presentation at the 'Genetic Showcase' event. This comprehensive approach ensures students create meaningful, informative products that demonstrate their understanding of genetics and its implications on health.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Genetic Connections Fair,' where students rotate through interactive stations featuring hands-on simulations and experiments. These stations will highlight the relationship between genetics and diseases, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for deeper inquiry. Students will engage in activities such as extracting DNA, simulating genetic mutations, and exploring genetic databases. This immersive experience will provide a foundational understanding and inspire questions that will guide their project work.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Genetic Showcase' event, transforming the classroom into an interactive exhibition space. Each student will set up a booth featuring their digital portfolio, educational infographics, and findings from their pedigree analysis and case study. Attendees, including peers, teachers, and family members, will explore the booths, engage in discussions, and provide feedback, creating a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge-sharing and celebration of learning.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Launch the 'Genetic Connections Fair'. Students rotate through interactive stations to explore DNA extraction, genetic mutation simulations, and genetic databases, sparking curiosity and generating questions for inquiry.	Day 2: Introduce students to real-world case studies on genetic disorders. Facilitate group discussions to analyze patterns and make predictions based on genetic information and inheritance patterns.	Day 3: Guide students in a collaborative research activity to map out a family pedigree, tracing specific traits or disorders and discussing implications of genetic variations. Students begin their pedigree analysis.	Day 4: Conduct a simulation activity where students role-play as genetic counselors. They use their knowledge to advise 'clients' on genetic risks and the role of genetics in disease prevention and treatment.	Day 5: Host a 'Genetic Counselor Workshop' where students present their role-play scenarios to classmates. Peers provide feedback on communication effectiveness and accuracy of genetic counseling advice.
Deliverables	1. Digital portfolio including a family pedigree analysis and a case study on a genetic disorder. 2. Completed educational infographic illustrating inheritance patterns of genetic traits.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials and set up stations for the 'Genetic Connections Fair', including DNA extraction kits, mutation simulation tools, and access to genetic databases. 2. Gather real-world case studies and create discussion guides to facilitate student analysis. 3. Provide resources and templates for students to map out family pedigrees and analyze genetic patterns. 4. Develop scenario cards and guidelines for the genetic counselor role-play activity. 5. Arrange a feedback framework for the 'Genetic Counselor Workshop', ensuring constructive peer evaluation.