Genetics, Genomes, DNA & Stem Cell Research

Extract DNA from Smashed Strawberries

Scientific American has this well written recipe for extracting DNA from a strawberry using things you'd find in just about any kitchen.

The post includes step-by-step instructions and observations and questions for the students to answer during the process.

YourGenome

This website, produced by scientists at the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK, contains videos and activities describing genetics and genomics. Suitable for older students, this site describes what a genome is and how scientists sequence the DNA from an organism.

You can explore what genetics can tell us about an individual and a population,and why this can sometimes throw up some tricky ethical questions and debates.

BioDesigns – a genetic engineering project

BioDesigns, Incorporated offers a simulation of a 4 person genetic engineering team-- a geneticist, biologist, lawyer and an economist/ethicist. Targeted to Grades 7-12, this simulation provides a testbed for practicing outcomes of research.

Genetic Science Learning Center

The Genetic Science Learning Center is a wonderful site for anything genetic and includes topics like "How to extract DNA from anything living" (using detergent, meat tenderizer, and alcohol), genetic disorders, and current events in genetics. The site explains how to build a low-cost genetics lab and publishes teaching kits.

DNA Learning Center

The DNA Learning Center provides educator workshops, student research partnerships, and an index of educational, media-rich web sites.

Human Genome Project Information

The Human Genome Project resources for education include primers, images, posters, resource links, and an extensive glossary and acronyms list.

National Human Genome Research Institute

This site tracks and consolidates the latest news and advances. Includes special sections for students and educators.

Stem Cell Basics

The National Institutes of Health has created a primer on stem cells. Topics include the biological properties of stem cells, the important questions about stem cells that are the focus of scientific research, and the potential use of stem cells in research and in treating disease.

Molecular Workbench

For a deeper understanding and manipulation of mutations Look at the Molecular Workbench, developed at the Concord Consortium.

ActionBioscience

ActionBioscience articles are categorized into Biodiversity, Environment, Genomics, Biotechnology, Evolution, New Frontiers, and Education. Lessons are keyed to the National Science Education standards. This site summarizes the key issues of the future of biological sciences.

Science Scope

Science Scope, a journal published by NSTA, devoted its July, 2005 issue to well thought-out lessons on cells. For instance, students act in a simulation about producing chocolate peanut butter cups to understand the complex entities within a cell.

Evolution at Berkeley

Evolution at Berkeley demonstrates evidence for evolution and the evolution of evolution.

Bioethics of Genetic Testing

The bioethics (ethical, legal and social) of genetic testing, a collaboration between the University of Rochester and New York state's professional development network, illustrates an excellent, progressive disclosure PBL model. a must-see.

BioInteractive

BioInteractive includes videos and animations and interviews is free for learning about human evolution.

Evolution Readiness

Evolution Readiness guides students towards understanding complex evolution.

Aquatic Ecosystem Exploration

Understanding an aquatic ecosystem shows the interaction and exceptional diversity on earth.