Understanding Genes - Primary School Materials
For Secondary School Materials, click here
What do you know about DNA and genes?
Not much?...Not enough?
Well click here to view “All About Genes” an introduction for students (and adults).
Play ‘All About Genes’ animation
or read on then play, or download it later.
Now you know ‘All About Genes’ would you like to play the Mix and Match game?
See if you can make all the 36 RoboKids – curly hair or straight, long or short limbs, light or dark skin or something in-between – try it before the kids.
Play ‘Genes Mix and Match’ animation
or read on then play, or download it later.
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES
You can download:
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Teacher's ‘Understanding Genes’ Information Cards
helpful information for guiding discussions in the classroom.
Download: PDF Version / MS Word Version
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BACKGROUND FOR TEACHERS
The GenEd Challenge: what are genes, why are they important and how can we use our knowledge of them?
Preamble
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The research and development that has occurred in genetic science has implications for many aspects of our lives and those of our children.
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Testing for genetic diseases is now common.
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The debate on GM or genetically modified food is regularly discussed in the media and at the highest levels of government.
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Gene therapy is increasingly being seen as a key tool in the treatment of many diseases.
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Forensic science is a common theme in many films and television programs |
These issues and many others have far reaching consequences for individuals and societies around the world.
| Key problem: |
Like many issues that involve science those issues concerning genetics can be difficult to teach for those with only basic knowledge of science.
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| Key idea: |
The issues around the use of genetics are both important and fascinating. After all, in exploring genetics we are exploring ourselves – why we look the way we do, why some things are easier for us and others harder, why some of our families seem blessed or cursed with particular characteristics.
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| Key activity: |
Analysing, discussing, building understanding and debating issues are a fundamental part of the primary classroom.
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| Key driver: |
News stories from both papers or television provide the “real life” connection between knowledge and the world. Genetics related news stories on a wide range of topics from sport, to forensic detective work and genetically modified foods are common.
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| The resource: |
These GenEd resources aim to provide teachers and students with fun and highly informative resources to explore genes and therefore the very nature of who and what we are. |
1.Teacher's Guide to Genetics
Some Quick Facts
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We are what we are because of a combination of genetics and our environment.
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A chromosome is a long string of genes
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A particular gene is always found on the same chromosome.
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Humans have 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent therefore 23 pairs.
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Humans have LOTS of genes - tens of thousands of genes.
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With the exception of the sex chromosomes, the X and Y chromosomes, we have two copies of every gene – one from our mother, one from our father.
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 A genes describes a biological characteristic but there can be more than one description – for example eye colour.
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Different descriptions equals variation.
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Variation equals diversity.
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Diversity equals the world we see around us.
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All living things also have chromosomes but they have different chromosomes and different numbers of chromosomes.
How many chromosomes do other plants and animals have?
| Camel |
70 |
Apple |
34 |
| Cow |
60 |
Tomato |
24 |
| Goat |
60 |
Rice |
24 |
| Guinea Pig |
64 |
Potato |
48 |
| Porpoise |
44 |
Corn |
20 |
| Leopard frog |
26 |
Lettuce |
18 |
| Chicken |
78 |
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| House fly |
12 |
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| Mosquito |
6 |
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Remember humans have 46
 Introduction – why are genes important?
The Dairy CRC believes it is essential to raise society’s understanding of genetics and the issues arising out of our increased understanding and ability to use this knowledge so that everyone can participate in the important debates on such things as:
In order to contribute to this understanding the Dairy CRC has produced these materials to stimulate discussion and raise understanding of the issues. The materials have been created to introduce students to the topic with resources specifically made for primary students at Years 4 to 6.
The resources cover two broad themes.
Firstly to build knowledge using the animation “All About Genes”, the computer interactive game “Mix and Match” and the student activities in the Teacher's Guide.
Secondly the “GenEd for Schools” resources on the Dairy CRC website http://www.dairycrc.com/
By presenting students with some factual information to provide a fundamental understanding of genetics, they will then be able to take part in activities and debates which deal with some of the issues that have arisen through research and developments in genetic science.
Information Cards
The Information Cards are provided as quick notes to help you guide discussions in the classroom
Click here to download the information cards
Download all the resources
References
The Usborne Internet-linked Introduction to Genes & DNA by Anna Claybourne. First published by Usborne Publishing Limited in 2003
Tomorrow's Science, Genetic Engineering by Anne Rooney, published by Chrysalis Children's Books.
Internet sites-
Field of Genes:Genetic Engineering
http://whyfiles.org/062ag_gene_eng/
Learn about the benefits and risks of genetic engineering
Overview - Dairy CRC information - Teacher Guide - Biosciences and technologies - Safety - Issues - Careers - Web links - Gen Ed Glossary - Give your feedback
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Student Work/Activity Sheets (1 – 5)