Lesson plan: Genome breakthrough

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Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze and evaluate the long-term consequences of gene mapping.
• Develop a Universal Declaration on the Human Genome.

Standards

Benchmarks for Science Literacy, American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Human Organism; Basic Functions (grades nine-12)

By the end of 12th grade, students should know that:

• The similarity of human DNA sequences and the resulting similarity in cell chemistry and anatomy identify human beings as a single species.
• The immune system is designed to protect against microscopic organisms and foreign substances that enter from outside the body and against some cancer cells that arise within.
• Faulty genes can cause body parts or systems to work poorly. Some genetic diseases appear only when an individual has inherited a certain faulty gene from both parties.

Suggested time

One class period

Materials

CNNfyi article, "Mapping mankind's future"
Internet access
Paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, magazines, scissors and glue

Procedures

1. Introduce and discuss the function of human genes.

2. Read the CNNfyi article "Mapping mankind's future." Then ask the students:

• What research is taking place at Celera Genomics? Who else is conducting similar research? What did Celera announce regarding this research? Why do you think this is significant?
• How many genes make up the human genome? Why do you think it has been so difficult to decode the human genome?

Assessment

Have each student create a poster that expresses one of the ideas found in the class Declaration on the Human Genome. Ask them to include artwork, words or images cut from magazines to illustrate the point.

Accommodation

Verbal/linguistic: Have students write journal entries in which they role-play that they have an incurable virus. They can opt for a traditional treatment or a new gene therapy. Have them write about their decision-making process.