This is a 2016 TED talk that provides a concise and basic description of how CRISPR works. In the talk, the details of the CRISPR procedure/mechanism are presented, and myths and misconceptions about the technique and its implications are discussed. This approximately 10 minute video (mini-lecture) might be useful for students to gain sufficient background knowledge in preparation for active...

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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...

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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.

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In this activity (app. 25 min), a case-study style problem is presented to students (?The Roundup Story") that describes the use of roundup (herbicide) in agriculture, and the development of ?roundup ready? crop strains. The case study approach incorporates a great number of questions, which are designed to guide the students to a clear understanding of how genetically modified organisms (GMOs...

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In this activity (app. 25 min), students are introduced to CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and explore how these are used to edit genomes, not only at the individual level, but, potentially, of at the level of the population. The activity contains a mixture of lecture and questioning, with a culminating activity that clearly demonstrates to students the...

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