Biology Curriculum

Grades 10-12, 2007, 164 pages

By Bruce Chapman, Sandra Clifton, Carla L. Easter, Janet Eubanks, Susan K. Flowers, Anna Cristina Garza, Elmer Kellmann, John McGrath, Chuck McWilliams, Victoria L. May, Valerie Mertz, Eric J. Richards, William C. Thoele, Marcia N. Vincent, Larry Wegmann

Explore issues regarding land use, food production, world hunger, and selective breeding, through activities designed for students who have little or no experience with agriculture. Learn about genetically modified foods, and grow mini "fields" of soybeans and weeds to test how a biotech herbicide works. Test samples of powdered potatoes from transgenic plants to determine how scientists are biopharming human insulin. Explore controversial issues in agricultural biotechnology, including regulation, labeling, ecology, ethics, and economics through studies of current news. Finally, discuss how to alleviate world hunger in the face of population growth through farming, biotechnology, policy, and education.

Developed with primary support from the Monsanto Fund and additional support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Grades 10-12, 2007, 188 pages

By Bruce Chapman, Juanita Chambers, Sandra Clifton, Carla L. Easter, Sarah C.R. Elgin, Janet Eubanks, Gabriella Farkas, Susan K. Flowers, Anna Cristina Garza, Michael Grupe, Elmer Kellmann, John McGrath, Chuck McWilliams, Victoria L. May, Valerie Mertz, Eric J. Richards, William C. Thoele, Marcia N. Vincent, Larry Wegmann

Genomic sequence data allows scientists to determine the similarities and differences between species. Studies of these essential differences indicate how genes create the proteins that determine an organism's ability to function as a healthy individual. Significant Sequences focuses on the importance of genomic data and how it is discovered. A series of paper modeling activities provides a visual representation of the genome sequencing process. Compare human, chimpanzee, and mouse genomes, then compare differences in genomic information between human individuals. Transcribed DNA sequences in a simulated microarray show mutations from normal to cancerous tissue. Activities explore ethical issues inherent in gathering and publishing genome sequences. Group discussions highlight the implications of genetic testing, and of sharing results with employers and insurance companies.

Developed with primary support from the Monsanto Fund; additional support provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute through the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center

Grades 9-12, 2003 edition, 490 pages

By Sarah C.R. Elgin, Cynthia J. Moore, David Kirk, Victoria L. May, Gary Corbin, Susan K. Flowers, Rebecca Aulenbacher, David Brock, Mark Kalk, Martha Thompson

Genetics has always been central to biology. Today genetic findings are impacting human health at an increasing pace. Since 1991, Modern Genetics for All Students has helped more than 39,000 high school students learn DNA basics in the biology lab. Active investigations include extracting and spooling DNA, engineering glow-in-the-dark bacteria, crossing strains of different-colored yeast, growing Wisconsin Fast Plants, and inducing mutations in bacteria using UV light. Modeling activities help conceptualize how genes code for proteins and how they are expressed, how DNA structure allows replication, and how traits and genetic diseases are inherited. Group discussions about genetic testing, GM foods, and biotechnology highlight how advances in genetics are impacting society.

Developed with primary support from the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources, Science Education Partnership Award; additional support provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Monsanto Fund, and the Dana Brown Charitable Trust

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