In this approximately 20 to 25 minute lecture activity, students work collaboratively in groups to learn about the genetic basis of, and molecular mechanisms behind, the variation observed in squirrel coat color. As components of the activity, students will respond in groups to clicker style questions, and will work together to complete a worksheet that, ultimately, requires the construction of a...

• More Info

In this activity, students learn about gene expression and how different genes are active and inactive in different tissues of the body. They will also explore how microarrays work, and will explore the relationships that exist between gene expression and cancer as well as epigenetics. As part of this tidbit, students will work in groups to complete a worksheet as the activity progresses, watch...

• More Info

In this PNAS podcast, the concept of the relatively new "gene drive" biotechnology application is discussed, particularly as it applies to the potential to impact control of malarial vectors in wild populations. The mechanistic nature of the procedure is discussed, as are social considerations for future use of this technique.

• More Info

This resource is a collection of lesson plans for activities that promote student engagement with the concept of gene regulation, particularly in prokaryotes. A total of 4 active learning activities are described in detail, including "Lactose Operon Role Play," "Cell Growth in the Presence of Two Sugar Sources," "Design a Repressor System," and Alterations of Operon Function through Mutation."...

• More Info

This is a one-day teachable unit with pre and post-class activities. Materials in this teachable unit are geared towards introducing epigenetics as a form of non-genetic inheritance to students who have little or no prior knowledge of epigenetics. Students are however expected to have a basic understanding of the central dogma: replication, transcription, translation, and their regulatory...

• More Info