TEN HELPFUL TOOLS
FOR TEACHING DNA
Explore Genomic Resources
Our free resource library is packed full of lesson plans, videos, interactive games and other educational content from the National Human Genome Research Institute and our partners.
Read Genomics: Insights
Read articles written by promising researchers about the science they're doing in the lab to inform, educate, and raise awareness about genetics and genomics.
1
Read about one of the most ambitious and important scientific research efforts in human history, the Human Genome Project.
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international research effort that generated the first sequence of the human genome and a few other non-human organisms. Methods of DNA sequencing were improved to sequence the genomes of volunteers. The HGP fostered ethics in biological research and transformed data sharing practices by making the human genome sequence available shortly after it was produced. Ultimately, the HGP revolutionized genetics and genomics.
2
Watch this interactive learning tool: What is the evidence of evolution?
Biologists teach that all living things on Earth are related. Is there any solid evidence to back this claim? Scientifically vetted by a supporting panel of researchers, this animation examines the origin of whales from land mammals, and then touches on the origins of several other critters, including our own species.
Visit: http://statedclearly.com/videos/what-is-the-evidence-for-evolution/
3
Take a trip through the hidden world of organelles: Explore the iCell.
First of all, we suggest you see the iCell on your desktop and as a download. So choose "download" on the linked page and install this amazing, interactive cellular playroom. Explore at your own pace, choose different levels of complexity, decide if you want to examine plant, animal, or bacterium cells. Simply awesome.
4
Create the classroom learning tool everyone has to touch: DNA Origami
A color printer. Some creative origami folding. That is all it takes to create a "must-pick-this-up-and-examine-it" physical module of the DNA module for your classroom. This helpful tutorial from the National Human Genome Research Institute comes complete the printable template file, and easy-to-follow video instructions.
5
Watch the best five-minute refresher course in genetics anywhere: The Animated Genome.
It's 2D, not 3D. It is synchronized perfectly to a modern soundtrack. And it will delight you, your colleagues, your students, and parents. We think you will agree that it could've called "Everything you need to know about genetics and genomics in five minutes or less." You will want to share this often!
6
Re-visit the fundamentals of evolution with this animated primer: "Does the Theory of Evolution matter?"
Students who may be disinterested, or uncomfortable, with the science of evolution often wonder why it is worth their time and effort to understand evolution. This helpful animated learning tool speaks broadly as it examines evolution through the lens of HIV, fish size, and grasslands. Check it out.
Visit: http://statedclearly.com/videos/does-the-theory-of-evolution-really-matter/
7
Extract DNA from strawberries at home, or in the classroom. It's easy to do!
Everything you need to know to extract DNA from strawberries. The process uses things commonly available in your home, and it takes as few as two strawberries. Follow our fun, fact-filled YouTube video, or use our colorful infographic poster guide (in Spanish and/or English).
8
Borrow freely from our illustrations and animations library: Cells, organelles, genes, and more!
Take a moment and browse our copyright-free image library assembled for use in teaching genetics and genomics. All posts are vetted by NIH scientists and illustrated by the same scientific illustrator (Darryl Leja) for uniformity when using more than one piece of art in a presentation. Print these as handouts, pepper your slides presentations with them, turn them into overheads - whatever helps learners better grasp the days learning objectives.
Visit: https://www.unlockinglifescode.org/media-gallery/intro-biology-modules
9
Download the Genome DIY App to interact with resources related to the free, print-on-demand Genome: Unlocking Life's Code exhibit
Enhance your Genome Do-it-Yourself (DIY) presentation experience with touchscreen interactives that explore human genomic migration, the great scientific strides in understanding our genomes, and what areas of our lives are affected by genomic research. Your DIY visitors can have a supplementary dive into some genomic topics beyond the graphic exhibit panels. The Genome DIY App allows users to interact with resources related to the free, print-on-demand exhibit that has been recreated from the Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code exhibition. Interactives include some of our most engaging timelines, What Do You Think? And In and Beyond Africa.
10
Learn about uncovering the complete sequence of the human genome
The Human Genome Project mapped 99% of the human genome when first completed. The final 8% has been uncovered and has created a now-complete human genome. Watch the video to learn about the challenges that were overcome to complete this amazing feat.