Activities Index
Build-A-Crop Activity

Topics: Genetically modified crops, plasmids, critical thinking
Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Summary: Students are given possible genetic traits that can be incorporated into a genetically modified crop. They are then provided with scenarios, and must decide upon the best gene(s) to give to the crop. This activity can be done individually or in groups.

Careers Activity

Topics: Gene technology, science in society, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: Students are provided with a list of careers, and each student is assigned one career. The students must then find other professionals with whom they would cooperate.

Cloning Discussion Questions

Topics: Cloning, ethics, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: A variety of questions about animal and human cloning, focusing on ethics and social responsibility.

Cloning Handout

Topics: Single and Serial nuclear transfer, cloning
Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Summary: A handout with a side-by-side comparison of single nuclear transfer and serial nuclear transfer.

Do-It-Yourself DNA Extraction

Topics: DNA Extraction, laboratory skills
Time: 1 hour
Summary: This is a DNA extraction that can be done with household items, either in the classroom or at home.

Gel Electrophoresis Discussion Questions

Topics: Gel electrophoresis, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: A variety of questions designed to develop students understanding of gel electrophoresis and its uses.

Gel Electrophoresis Geneticist For A Day

Topics: Gel Electrophoresis, critical thinking
Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Summary: A scenario common in genetics laboratories is explained to students. Students are then given a simulation of a gel and asked questions regarding the results of the gel, and gel electrophoresis in general.

Gel Electrophoresis Paternity Test

Topics: Gel electrophoresis, law, writing
Time: 30 minutes
Summary: A mock paternity suit is explained, and students are given the results of a gel electrophoresis. Students are asked to defend or disclaim a statement about the paternity results.

Genetically Modified Crops Discussion Questions

Topics: Genetically modified crops, ethics, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: A variety of questions dealing with complications and ethics of genetically modified crops.

Human Genome Project Discussion Questions

Topics: Human Genome Project, ethics, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: A variety of questions about the Human Genome Projects, and its impact on genetics and science.

Human Genome Project Timeline Activity

Topics: Human Genome Project, research skills, writing
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Summary: A timeline of the HGP is provided, and students are asked to research one event discussed in that timeline and communicate their findings.

Newspaper Article Activity

Topics: Gene Technology, society
Time: Variable
Summary: Students are provided with a variety of different newspapers, and asked to go through and find articles relating to gene technology, or genetics in general. The articles are then discussed.

Polymerase Chain Reaction Activity

Topics: Polymerase Chain Reaction, understanding laboratory techniques
Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Summary: Students are walked through the process of PCR, and required to answer questions about different steps and outcomes of PCR.

Restriction Enzyme Activity

Topics: Restriction enzymes, critical thinking
Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Summary: In groups, students will mimic the action of a number of different restriction enzymes, compare results and respond to questions about restriction enzymes.

Stem Cell Discussion Questions

Topics: Stem cells, ethics, critical thinking
Time: Variable
Summary: A variety of questions concerning embryonic and adult stem cells and their use in research and medicine.

Stem Cell Handout

Topics: Stem cells, spinal regeneration
Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Summary: A handout walking through spinal cord damage and possible stem cell regeneration. Serves as a good introduction to an ethical stem cell discussion.