Exploring Genetics across the Middle School Science and Math Curriculum Review of 2007/2008 Project Plan results Middle school science and math curriculum.

Exploring Genetics across the Middle School Science and Math Curriculum

Review of 2007/2008 Project Plan resultsMiddle school science and math

curriculum developed by teachers in 2006-2007

Manual completed in Fall 2007Distribution through the Museum of Life

and Science in Durham11 classroom requests and rentals258 students engaged

Exploring Genetics across the Middle School Science and Math Curriculum

Extension project – Teacher training workshopMuseum “donated” funds

back to the project for teacher training

Hosted the training at the Museum June 23-24

9 middle school teachers attended

Teachers were paid a $100 stipend/day

NC Museum of Life and ScienceRevitalized

mission of public education and K-12 outreach since 2006

New logo image Increased

networking among NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke for outreach

Three activities completed during the two day workshop

Genetics Kit Activities1) Heredity & Genetics Scavenger Hunt2) Personal Survey of Inherited Human Traits3) Modeling Mendel 4) Punnett Squares5) Genetic Offspring Models6) Extracting DNA from Wheat Germ7) DNA, Genes, and Proteins (Sickle Cell Disease)8) A Day in the Life of DNA 9) Genetic Disorders10)Genetic vs. Environmental Influences on Traits

Heredity and Genetics Curriculum (Grade 7) Explain the significance of genes to inherited characteristics

Explain the significance of reproduction

Identify examples and patterns of human genetic traits

Analyze the role of probability in the study of heredity

Summarize the genetic transmittance of disease

Evaluate evidence that human characteristics are a product of inheritance, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices

Exploring Genetics across the Middle School Science and Math Curriculum

Teacher workshop

Activity1 : Heredity & Genetics

• activity aims to make students aware of genetics in the media, television and in movies. It furthers class discussions and allows the teacher to address misconceptions.

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Activity2: Using data from the Human Traits survey

• activity allows students to use and apply the data from the Science Activity by solving real world problems, presenting the data in various mathematical forms and deciding which presentation is best suited.

Activity 4 Using Punnet squares as Mathematical tools

• shows students how mathematics is used in Punnet squares, how Mathematics may be used as the language of Science and how to apply Punnet squares to make mathematical predictions.

Where to from here? Commercialization possibility through relationship with

NC Department of Public Instruction with future funding from other NSF projects Two year review process required by DPI

Additional interdisciplinary modules can be added with future funding

Manual is posted on PGRP Outreach page for wide distribution

Additional teacher workshops or camp can be developed based on the Manual activities with future funding. The Museum is especially interested in a Genetics camp

Kit is institutionalized within the Museum framework for use in public schools through Kit rental program