All Resources for 16-18s
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Genetics and faith communities
DNA
An activity that allows students to use DNA profiles and other forms of evidence to solve a fictional murder.
Resource: GENIE DNA Detective
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Problem-based learning
This is an activity where students use computers and online DNA databases to find out whether there is life on Mars. The computer tutorial can be used as a stand-alone resource, or it can be combined into a much broader project encompassing physics, chemistry and biology.
Resource: GENIE Mars Lander Laboratory
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial
inside dna: A Genomic Revolution
Inside DNA was developed At-Bristol on behalf of Ecsite-uk, with funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from the Sanger Institute. The site provides a wealth of current news information, details about the Human Genome Project, tutorial information and teaching materials and links to other resources.
Resource: inside dna
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Learning modules on DNA structure and replication, plus a number of other topics in genetics, from Making the Modern World (the Science Museum). The modules contain topic material, activities and a range of media resources.
Resource: Making the Modern World website
Software: QuickTime
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Description: A range of online resources to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, from The National Centre for Biotechnology Education at The University of Reading.
Resource: NCBE website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Description: A range of online teaching materials and lesson plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, from the Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Resource: DNA Interactive website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Details of a two-dimensional model kit that can be used to teach DNA structure, replication and transcription developed by the European Initiative for Biotechnology Education. (The kit itself can be ordered from The National Centre for Biotechnology Education at The University of Reading.)
Resource: EIBE website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Modelling activity
DNA sequencing
Dry-lab demonstration of Sanger di-deoxy sequencing of cloned DNA.
Resource: The National Health Museum website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Simulated practicals
Recombinant DNA
Problem set on recombinant DNA technology
A set of MCQs on recombinant DNA technology, including brief explanations and linked tutorials, from the Biology Project at the University of Arizona.
Resource: The Biology Project
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Games and quizzes, interactive tutorial
Recombinant DNA technology (animation)
A 3-D animation on YouTube illustrating the process of gene cloning.
Resource: You Tube: Recombinant DNA
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animated tutorials in General biology
Animated tutorials in general biology, including DNA Chip Technology, Meiosis and Mitosis and construction of a DNA library, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.
Resource: Sumanas Inc. General Biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animations and Quizzes for Gene technology
A set of ten animations from Biology by Raven et al. that outline the stages of genetic engineering.
Resource: Online Learning Centre: Gene Technology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
A set of tutorials from The Gene School which include quizzes and experiments that cover topics such as cloning, gene therapy, DNA in the courtroom and inherited diseases.
Resource: The Gene School: Applications index
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial, games and quizzes, laboratory practicals
Genetic Engineering Glossary List
Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection. Table of key terminology related to genetic engineering for students to compile their own glossary. Designed to be put onto school network for students to print & use. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.
Resource: Genetic Engineering Glossary List
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial
Genes
This is an activity where students get the chance to see the effects of genes jumping into other genes within the human genome and the resulting effects. It uses a combination of tiddlywinks, a poster and computers to find out how genes jump and what happens when they do.
Resource: GENIE Jumping Genes
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial
Genetics Education blog
The aim of this blog is to highlight current topical stories about genetics and to encourage users to reflect, share opinions and discuss the topics online.
Resource: NHS Genetics Education Blog
Age range : 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Topic material
EU-Sol Tomato Seeds
Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection.A free genetic resource for EU Schools. The aim is to reinforce theoretical learning of genetics: students can grow naturally occurring tomato seedlings in which genetic inheritance rules for the dominant/recessive characteristics can be detected. The resources have been translated into 6 languages. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.
Resource: EU-Sol Tomato Seeds- Free Genetic Resource
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Activity
Gene expression
An animated example of transcription and translation from Learn.Genetics, the Genetic Science Learning Center of the University of Utah (US).
Resource: Learn Genetics website
Software: Macromedia Flash
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Animation
An excellent animation on You Tube.This is made by the NDSU Virtual Cell Animations project. For more information, see http://vcell.ndsu.nodak.edu/animations
Resource: You Tube
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation
Genetic techniques
An award-winning GENIE video introduction to the use of micropipettes in the laboratory for undergraduates and postgraduates. Total running time: 9 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Using a Micropipette
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Making and Running an Agarose Gel (video)
A GENIE video guide for students illustrating the processes involved in making and running agarose gels in the laboratory. Total running time: 13 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Running an Agarose Gel
Part 4: Putting the Gel into the Gel Tank
Part 7: Visualising the Nucleic Acids
Part 8: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Video
Running an Agarose Gel (video)
A video guide for students illustrating the processes involved in running agarose gels in the laboratory. This is a shorter version of the GENIE video 'Making and Running an Agarose Gel'. Total running time: 6 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Running an Agarose Gel
Part 4: Visualising the Nucleic Acids
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Alec Jeffreys 'Eureka Moments'
As part of the biochemical society's centenary celebrations, a number of the Society’s Honorary Members were asked to talk about the important moments in their careers and the future of the discipline. The third to be released is that of Alec Jeffreys who spoke to John Armour about the 'Golden Age of Genetics'.
Resource: Golden Age of Genetics
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
This is a basic cloning practical where students make their own clone of Dolly the sheep using simulated sterile techniques.
Resource: GENIE Dolly Mixtures
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial
Animated tutorials in molecular biology
Animated tutorials in molecular biology, including plasmid cloning, PCR and other genetic techniques, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.
Resource: Sumanas Inc: molecular biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animated tutorial on gel electrophoresis
Animated tutorials on gel electrophoresis from Sumanas, Inc. Can be viewed as a step-through animation or as a narrated, continuous animation.
Resource: Sumanas Inc: gel electrophoresis
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
The Genetics Science Center from the University of Utah has produced and excellent resource which covers subjects in genetic technology, the basics of DNA, as well as more complex subjects, such as epigenetics. There is also a "Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans" section.
Resource: University of Utah: Learn.Genetics
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Images, animations, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials
Teaching material on the history of the HGP, mapping and sequencing techniques, and ethical, social and legal issues (ELSI), from the European Initiative for Biotechnology Education (EIBE). Includes background information, worksheets and experiments.
Resource: EIBE - The Human Genome Project website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
World Health Organization's Genomic Resource Centre (GRC)
Educational resources and online tools for human genetics and genomics, including ethical, social and legal implications (ELSI).
Resource: The Genomic Resource Centre website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
The Power of Comparative Genomics
This video discussing the use of genomics, a branch of genetics in which large stretches of DNA, ideally the entire chromosome(s) of an organism are studied.
Resource: The Power of Comparative Genomics
Age range: 14-16, 16-18
Approach: Video
Genomics and the Human Genome Project
Tutorials on genomics, the human genome project and the impact on society from the US Department of Energy. (Supported with PowerPoint presentations and available as PDFs.)
Resource: Genomics and its Impact on Science and Society website
Software: Acrobat, Microsoft PowerPoint
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
genome.gov (educational resources)
Educational resources for teachers and students from the genome.gov site of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the US National Institutes of Health.
Resource: National Human Genome Research Institute website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Human Genome Project Education Resources
Educational resources on the HGP from the genomics.energy.gov site of the US Department of Energy Office of Science.
Resource: HGP Education Resources website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Genetics Education Center
Resources for educators interested in human genetics and the human genome project, from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Resource: Genetics Education Center
Age range :16-18
Approach: Topic material
DNA Structure and Its Role in Forensic Science
A set of resources explaining how DNA is used in forensic science.
Resource: DNA Structure and Its Role in Forensic Science
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Cell cycle
Interactive animation of cell cycle from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.
Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation
Mitosis and meiosis
Interactive animation of mitosis from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.
Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation
Interactive animation of meiosis from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.
Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation
Animations of mitosis and meiosis
A set of four animations from Biology by Raven et al. that outline the stages of meiosis; the unique features of meiosis; a comparison of meiosis and mitosis; and the generation of diversity through the random orientation of chromosomes during meiosis.
Resource: Online Learning Center website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation
Mitosis Cut and Stick
Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection. This is a review activity to sequence and label stages of mitosis; it also includes extension tasks. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.
Resource: Mitosis Cut and Stick
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive Tutorial
The differences between mitosis and meiosis
Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection. A Short activity to compare and contrast these two types of cell division. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.
Resource: The differences between mitosis and meiosis
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Activity
Making Reebops: a model for meiosis
Reebops are imaginary animals, made from marshmallows (or foam packing pieces). Their features are determined by the characteristics encoded in their chromosomes. Both parents are heterozygous for all their characteristics (except their sex).
Resource: Making Reebops
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Activity
Developmental genetics
Genes and the formation of the body pattern
Online tutorial on pattern formation and homeotic genes from Learn.Genetics, the Genetic Science Learning Center of the University of Utah (US).
Resource: Genes Determine Body Patterns website
Software: Macromedia Flash
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Short video introducing homeotic genes and their role in evolution, from the PBS Evolution site.
Resource: Genetic Tool Kit website
Software: QuickTime or RealPlayer
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Video
Streamed video of an illustrated lecture exploring the genes that control development, and what the study of those genes can tell us about the evolutionary links between different organisms. The talk is given by Dr David Kingsley, as part of the 2007 Holiday Lectures on Science from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Resource: Fossils, Genes and Embryos website
Software: Windows Media Player or QuickTime
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Video
Patterns of inheritance
Interactive tutorials on the basic concepts of inheritance genetics, including alleles, linked genes, recombination and sex linkage.
Resource: Morgan Genetics Tutorial website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial
Bioinformatics
A set of simple bioinformatics tools for DNA database searches, statistical analyses and population modelling.
Resource: Bioservers website
Software: Java, Javascript
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Online tools
Gentics and ethics
Ethics and bioethics
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the first in the series of briefings and was written by Chris Willmott (University of Leicester). It shows us how bioethics issues affect us all and how we hear about issues which fall into this category on a daily basis.
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 1: Ethics and Bioethics in Education
Age range: 16-18
Approach:Topic Material
Genetically modified crops
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the second in the series of briefings and was written by John Bryant (University of Exeter). It highlights the background in selective plant breeding over the centuries and then describes the more recent advances and the introduction of genetically modified crops.
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 2: Crop plant genetic modification
Age range: 16-18
Approach:Topic Material
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the third in the series of briefings and was written by Chris Willmott (University of Leicester). It covers the issues concerning assisted conception and "designer babies", which is a term which is often heard in the popular media.
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 3: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Age range: 16-18
Approach:Topic Material
Xenotransplantation
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the fourth in the series of briefings and was written by Chris Willmott (University of Leicester). As human-to-human transplantation has become more and more successful, it has almost become a victim of its own success. There is a shortage of donor organs, and even with more government initiatives to change the organ donor register system, there will still be a shortfall. Would animal cells, organs and tissues be able to fill this gap?
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 4: Xenotransplantation
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Stem cells
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the fifth in the series of briefings and was written by John Bryant (University of Exeter). This briefing provides background on stem cell, the two different types of stem cells (adult and embryonic), and the ethics involved in using them.
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 5:Stem Cells
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Issues at the end of life
This resource comprises a series of briefings and is part of the Bioethics Bytes website. This is the sixth and final one of the series of briefings and was jointly written by John Searle (South West Ministry Training Course) and John Bryant (University of Exeter). Should it be legal for doctors to actively participate in ending the lives of terminally ill patients? What are the concerns raised?
Resource: Bioethics Briefing No 6: Issues at the End of Life
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Science and the Ethics of Stem Cells
In March 2009 Dr Chris Willmott was interviewed by SuperSonic FM, a Leicester school radio station, as part of their National Science Week activities. This is a recording of the interview (27.5 minutes).
Resource: SuperSonic FM
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Audio
Catalogue of Reusable Learning Objects
The University of Cambridge's excellent catalogue which covers genetics-related subject such as Clinical Utility, Informed Consent and Moral Theories as well as many more. The resources are a mix of podcasts, video presentations and PowerPoint presentations
Resource: University of Cambridge - Catalogue of RLOs
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material, resources
Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
A macromedia presentation by Dr Susan Wallace from the University of Cambridge. This is one of the University's excellent public health seminars, created by the Public Health Genetics Foundation
Resource: Ethical, legal and social issues
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, tutorial, video
Protect Consumers from Gene Tests
A BBC news article where Dr Ainsley Newson, senior lecturer in biomedical ethics at the University of Bristol is interviewed and gives his opinions on the inherent dangers of being given your DNA sequence on a memory stick (dated Wednesday, 8 July 2009).
Resource: BBC News Article
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
USPharmD+ Top 50 Genetics Blogs
A list of links to genetics-related blogs world-wide. Topics covered include issues such as health, biotechnology, evolution and many more.
Resource: Top 50 Genetics Blogs
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
An online collection of multimedia resources to help with the teaching of bioethics, arranged by topic category.
Resource: BioethicsBytes website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material, videos, miscellaneous
The Ethics of Genetics
Wellcome Trust Site with news, features and background information.
Resource: The Wellcome Trust: Ethics of Genetics
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, videos, miscellaneous
The Genetic Interest Group
The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) is a national alliance of patient organisations with a membership of over 130 charities which support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders.
Resource: The Genetic Interest Group (GIS)
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, videos, miscellaneous
Topical Information and Resources
This is brought to you by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity and bioethics.com. The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity exists to help individuals and organizations address the pressing bioethical challenges of today, including managed care, end-of-life treatment, genetic intervention, euthanasia and suicide, and reproductive technologies. bioethics.com is a global information source on bioethics news and issues.
Resource: Topical Information and Resources
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Pigs offer new stem cell source
BBC news article about Chinese scientists who have given cells from adult pigs the ability to turn into any tissue in the body, just like embryonic stem cells (dated Wednesday, 3 June 2009).
Resource: BBC News
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Scientists make sperm cells
BBC news article about UK scientists who claim to have made human sperm from stem cells. They foresee a possible use in treatment on male infertility (dated Tuesday, 7 July 2009).
Resource: BBC News
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Medical Ethics Resource Guide
This guide provides links to information about issues in medical ethics including patient confidentiality, informed consent, cultural/religious considerations, conflicts of interest, and issues in medical research. The guide also contains book recommendations for further reading.
Resource: Medical Ethics Resource Guide
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Use of model organisms in research
A series of videos discussing the use of organisms such as yeast and fruit flies to improve our understanding of human disease.
Resources:
- An interview with Dr Flav Giorgini about the use of yeast and fruit flied to study Huntingdon's Disease (2.57)
- An interview with Prof Bambos Kyriacou talking about Drosophila and biorhythms (3:05)
- An interview with Prof Rhona Borts talking about her use of yeast to study both infertility and cancers that develop from errors in DNA replication (1:40)
- A longer interview with Dr Flav Giorgini talking about his work (9:11)
- A longer interview with Prof Kyriacou (14:10)
- A longer interview with Prof Borts (5:44)
- Prof Borts explaining why the life cycle of yeast makes it a valuable research tool (3:11)
Age range: 14-16, 16-18
Approach: Video
Headline Bioethics
Headline Bioethics is a resource that contains background information and structured activities based on online video clips, to enable busy lecturers and school teachers to address the science and ethical implications of new developments in biology and biomedicine. There are two study guides in this series:
Genetic Modification of Food
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Resource: Headline Bioethics
Approach: Tutorial activity
Genetics and faith communities
The relationship between religion and science
A reference article in familiar Wickipedia style, written in 2004.
Resource: English Wickipedia
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
A point of view
A BBC overview discussing the gap between science and religion.
Resource: BBC Website: Magazine
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Religion and Ethics: Christianity and Creationism
A BBC overview providing information about Creationism and Intelligent Design.
Resource: BBC Website: Religion
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Religions of the world
A BBC website providing information about the belief structures of the main world religions.
Resource: BBC Website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
Counterbalance: Where does the church stand?
A BBC website providing information about the belief structures of the main world religions.
Resource: Counterbalance: Genetics and Ethics
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, videos, miscellaneous
Religion may influence doctors' end-of-life care
BBC News Article - dated 26 August 2010.
Resource: BBC Health Pages
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material
BioethicsBytes: Forensic uses of DNA
This 5 minute video looks at a fictional murder in Leicester and reflects on some of the ethical arguments for and against the use of DNA evidence in such cases. It includes an interview with Prof Sir Alec Jeffreys, inventor of the original method for DNA fingerprinting.
Resource: Forensic uses of DNA
Approach: Video
Genetics and the law
Policy and Regulation
A macromedia presentation by Alison Hall from the University of Cambridge. This is one of the University's excellent public health seminars, created by the Public Health Genetics Foundation.
Resource: Policy and Regulation
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, video
Centre for Law and Genetics
A searchable list of resources which cover outcomes of legal cases, articles, statutes and other web resources.
Resource: Lawgenecentre.org: Human Genetics
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, online databases
Time limits on innocent DNA data
BBC news article dated 7 May 2009.
Resource: BBC Website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
The UK Police National DNA Database
GeneWatch has many concerns about the Police National DNA Database. This article covers issues about changes in the law to make the Database much smaller and more carefully controlled.
Resource: GeneWatch UK
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
EuroStemCell
Description: An excellent website containing information about stem cells, their use and latest legislation, along with links to other resources.
Resource: EuroStemCell
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
The Hinxton Group: An international consortium on stem cells, ethics and law
The Hinxton Group website is a clearing house, facilitating communication among scientists, policymakers, journal editors and the public about international scientific collaboration in the area of stem cell research.
Resource: The Hinxton Group
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
Obama ends stem cell funding ban
BBC news article about President Obama ending the US ban on funding for the creation of new stem cell lines for scientific research (dated Monday, 9 March 2009).
Resource: BBC Website
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is the UK's independent regulator overseeing the use of gametes and embryos in fertility treatment and research.
Resource: The HFEA
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Topic Material, related internet links
General Education
East Midlands Science Learning Centre
The Science Learning Centre offers the best in professional development to everyone involved in science education
Resource: Science Learning Centre
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Training
Top Marks! Educational Search Engine
A resource for finding teaching resources, homework help and educational websites for use in the classroom.
Resource: Top Marks!
Age range: 7-10/11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material
American Society of Human Genetics
Genetics education for high school, K-16 (UG/PG) students and teachers, future genetics professionals and the public, from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Genetics Society of America (GSA), USA.
Resource: ASGH.org
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Genetic Resources for Schools and Students
Resources developed by the Institute of Biology to improve the understanding of human genetics in schools from Key Stage 2 upwards, UK.
Resource: Institute of Biology
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Genetics Education Partnership (GEP)
Learning community of school teachers, scientists and genetics professionals, Washington, USA.
Resource: Genetics Education Partnership
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.
