Genetic Counselor Activity Book
This book features five hands-on activities designed for 8- to
12-year-olds. Each activity includes one 30- to 45-minute project
and
extensions. Activities can be used in any order. Also included
are
objectives and learning outcomes, assessment questions, ideas
for a
presentation or exhibit and topics for further investigation.
Table of Contents
Meet Cathy /ACTIVITY ONE
Watch a video about genetic counselor Cathy Burson and then explore
your genetic features.
Learning Outcomes: Youth learn to use simple tools to gather
scientific data and develop
an understanding of a scientist’s work.
Alike and Different /ACTIVITY TWO
Discover what’s different and the same about you and your group.
Learning Outcomes: Youth learn to collect and interpret data,
and develop an understanding
of sampling populations.
Mating Game /ACTIVITY THREE
Meet mom and pop Smiley Face genomes and mate some genes
to make a new baby.
Learning Outcomes: Youth develop an understanding of
gene expression and heredity.
What Sort? /ACTIVITY FOUR
Meet a cheek cell, say hello to chromosomes, and complete
a human chromosome chart.
Learning Outcomes: Youth develop an understanding
of the cell, reproduction, and heredity.
Inside
DNA/ACTIVITY FIVE
Build a model gene using gumdrops and licorice
and learn some secrets of DNA.
Learning Outcomes: Youth develop an understanding
of living systems and their most basic
structures.
Pulling It All Together
Create a story about a scientist who
is a genetic counselor.
Learning Outcomes: Youth draw
on what they have learned in
the activities to construct their own understanding of what it
means to be a scientist.
New
Wonders
Here are some ideas for
projects or exhibits.
Learning Outcomes: Youth
develop an understanding
of science and technology in society and of science as a human
endeavor.
Permission is given
to educators to reproduce these pages for classroom and training purposes
only.