Classroom resources
What is Genomics?: Animation. This animation defines and describes the various aspects of genomics and the direction genomics research is heading. Canadian research examples are provided to help students make a context for the genomics language and techniques they have learned in the classroom.
Gene expression: Animation. This animation visually depicts the process of gene expression, including the processes of transcription and translation. It follows the events that trigger gene expression and highlights how a protein is processed to acquire its specific structure and function.
DNA microarray: Animation. This animation outlines various genetic applications and research techniques, such as gene expression profiling, protein microarrays, and comparative genomic hybridization arrays and it also highlights how these techniques are used in real life applications.
Prenatal Case Study: Online activity. In this interactive case study, students follow a couple who are making a choice about testing their pregnancy. Students get to choose one of two paths as they learn about the process of genetic counselling and the hereditary links to Down Syndrome.
Alien Babies: Hands-on activity. Students learn about inheritance from parent to child using two parent aliens and their alien babies as a model. Student will “cross” their two alien parents to discover how phenotypic traits end up in the alien offspring.
DNA code bracelet: Hands-on activity. Students apply the DNA code to make a bracelet representing their names. They will also have a chance to review the structure of DNA and the gene to protein process.
Bees/Beetles and DNA: Hands-on activity. Students analyze DNA sequence to uncover different types of mutations. You can decide whether the students will analyze the DNA from bees or beetles. The goal of the activity is to help students discover the potential downstream effects of different types of mutations. There are two levels – grade 9 and 12.
Case Studies: Exercise. All of the case studies can be used to enrich the Biology 12 curriculum, even though genetics and inheritance are not covered in most Biology 12 classrooms. They can be used to introduce genetics and to highlight different diseases covered in other parts of the Biology curriculum, such as heart disease and anemia.
Mitosis: Animation. This animation helps to visually describe the process of mitosis. In addition, the written text in the animation helps highlight the important events that occur during mitosis.
DNA extraction: Hands-on activity. Students extract DNA from fruit. Students will learn where DNA is found, how it is extracted, and what it looks like.
Edible DNA: Hands-on activity. Students make an edible model of DNA out of candy while they review the genetic code. While making their models, students will have the opportunity to review the physical structure of DNA and base pairing.
Lost in Translation: Hands-on activity. Students decode genetic information to build an insect. You can decide whether the students will build a bee or a beetle. The goal of this activity is to help students discover how the presence of a DNA mutation may affect an insect’s physiology.
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