Educator Resources
Check out these ready-to-go, standards-aligned tools from DNA Decoded, where your students will crack the genomic code and apply it to real-world problems!
Decoding the Secrets of DNA
Explore the ways genomics is revolutionizing every area of our lives with hands-on resources that bring the DNA lab to you. Students can tackle everyday issues that they care about with exciting data-driven genomics investigations. These flexible resources are designed to ignite DNA discoveries in any learning environment.
Interactive
Virtual Genomic Sequencing Lab
High School
4 class sessions (45-50 minutes each)Go inside the structure of DNA and uncover insights into our ancient human history with a virtual lab interactive. Genomic Sequencing: Our Human Past and Present Revealed lets students investigate the ways genomic sequencing is transforming our world, from agriculture to microbiology to human health and beyond.
Cracking the Code
classroom activity
Genes or the Gym?
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionTo understand heritability, students will investigate the ways genetics can influence athletic performance. Students will research the influence that genetics have on one’s hopes of becoming an elite athlete, including aerobic fitness, muscular power, motivation to exercise, and the size and shape of the body.
classroom activity
Why Bats? Disease Transmission to Humans
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionBy analyzing the connection between bats and humans in the transmission of pathogens like COVID-19, students will learn about disease mutations and how epidemiologists track and fight disease outbreaks. They will explore the possibility that bats have an evolutionary advantage and a “super” immune system.
Classroom Activity
Disease Detectives
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionYour students will explore disease mutations and discover how epidemiologists track disease and work to stop outbreaks. In small groups, students will investigate how today’s epidemiologists use genomics, and students will role-play various careers that help halt the spread of disease.
Classroom Activity
Race and Medicine
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionYour students will work as scientists who have been hired by a legal team to provide evidence for a case that says there is no biological evidence to support the idea that humans are different ‘races’. Instead, ancestry may be a more appropriate way to identify humans.
Classroom Activity
Secrets of Sequencing
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionYour students will work in small groups to model the genetic sequencing of a fictional patient’s DNA and explore the genetic elements that can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of people with genetic abnormalities.
Classroom Activity
Medicine of the Future
High School
One 45-60 minute sessionYour students will role-play hospital administrators, who are implementing precision medicine at their site. To plan this change, students will investigate what genome testing entails, explore a genetic database to understand the sheer scope of genes, and read an article about precision medicine.
Investigating the Code
Digital Lesson Bundle
Breaking the Chain—Viral Transmission
High School
4 class sessions (45-50 minutes each)After learning to identify the structure of viruses and understand how this structure relates to cellular infection, students will create a 3-D model of the COVID-19 virus and suggest structural changes. They will explore how genetic mutations allow for the spread of viruses, and the ways tech is used to fight disease.
Digital Lesson Bundle
The Microbiome and Mental Health
High School
4 class sessions (45-50 minutes each)Working collaboratively, students will contribute to an infographic that illustrates the connection between the microbiome and mental health. Starting with an interactive survey, students will then evaluate a growing body of evidence showing that the tiny microbes in our gut may impact the brain big time!
Digital Lesson Bundle
Your Other Genome
High School
4 class sessions (45-50 minutes each)Your students will be presented with a curious treatment for a nasty infection called Clostridium Difficile... poop pills! Students will learn that these pills can help enhance a patient’s microbiome (your second genome) and help cure infection and remove bad bacteria stored in the gut.
Digital Lesson Bundle
Targeting Cancer
High School
4 class sessions (45-50 minutes each)Your students will learn how targeted therapy is changing treatment for cancer patients by using gene sequencing to look for cellular changes, chromosomal abnormalities, and gene mutations. They will explore various types of targeted therapy and help fictional doctors create personalized treatments to save lives.
Digital Lesson
Deep Space Genomics
High School
Two-to-Three 45-minute sessionsYour students will travel to the future to work at a genome technology company making sure that astronauts function at their best in deep space. Your students will investigate gene editing, including germ-line editing and somatic therapy, and help their company determine the next steps.
Digital Lesson
Agriculture Revolution
High School
Two-to-Three 45-minute sessionsAs United Nations representatives, your students must decide whether to support widescale agricultural gene editing. They will watch a video overview, study agricultural gene editing articles, and research agriculture of their assigned countries. Then, they will debate and determine their official decision.
Exploring the Code
STEM Project Activators
Sickle Cell Trait and Reducing Risk in Sports
High School
Two 45–60-minute sessionsYour students will explore the use of genetic screening to lower risks for student athletes. Students will understand the great risk of sickle cell anemia among many student athletes, research genetic screening, and create an infographic with their key findings.
STEM Project Activators
Functional Genomics and Medicine
High School
Two 45–60-minute sessionsYour students will explore the use of functional genomics to provide customized care for patients. Future medical care will involve more prevention and treatment plans. Your students will create an infographic on this technology and write about ethical implications.
