Human Genome Project: From Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information
Lesson idea.
Teaching approach. This resource provides guidance on how to use whole class(ta) discussion(ta) and/or small group work(ta) to engage students with the science and the economic, political, ethical(topic), legal and social issues of a scientific project such as the HGP. Its focus is on the scientific method(ta); language(ta) and the nature of scientific inquiry(ta). (edit)
| Resource details | |
| Title | Human Genome Project: From Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information |
| Topic | [[Topics/Ethics|Ethics]], [[Topics/Genetics|Genetics]] |
| Teaching approach | [[Teaching Approaches/Whole class|Whole class]], [[Teaching Approaches/Language|Language]], [[Teaching Approaches/Group work|Group work]], [[Teaching Approaches/Inquiry|Inquiry]], [[Teaching Approaches/Discussion|Discussion]], [[Teaching Approaches/Scientific method|Scientific method]]
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| Subject | [[Resources/Biology|Biology]], [[Resources/Science|Science]] |
| Age of students / grade | [[Resources/KS5|KS5]], [[Resources/AS|AS]], [[Resources/A2|A2]], [[Resources/Secondary|Secondary]]
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| Related ORBIT Wiki Resources | Teacher resources within How the Human Genome section of Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute’s website: http://www.yourgenome.org/teachers produced by The Wellcome Trust Communication and Public Engagement Programme.
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Pedagogic Strategy
This lesson idea provides details of the International Human Genome Project – including the scientific technique of DNA sequencing, scientists’ international collaboration and the HGP’s project outcomes – this ‘animation’ resource covers key A level material alongside insights into ‘How science can work’.
Guidance is provided on how to use the resource for whole class discussion and/or small group-work: to engage students with the science and the issues (economic, political, ethical, legal and social issues) of scientific projects such as the HGP.
Setting the context: The International Human Genome Project (HGP): Sharing scientific knowledge. Viewing the animation (5 – 10 minutes)
1) Teacher led viewing of HGP animation or Student viewing of HGP animation (if computers available) and/or sharing of student HGP information sheet (e-copy or printed copies) to provide HGP and scientific information to set the context for:
2) Class discussion (30 - 40 minutes) or Small Group then Class discussion (50 minutes) on the HGP as an example of ‘How science [can] work’:
Share Introduction, Task and Process objectives (5 mins):
Introduction The publicly funded International Human Genome Project is an example of a large-scale (international) science project, which resulted in online and freely available access to sequenced Human Genome data.
Task: The Human Genome Project: ‘How science [can] work’ - issues and outcomes ?
Identify, share, discuss and constructively explore ideas about (a) and
(b), then build on these ideas: give evidence/explanations/reasons for the ideas:
(a) HGP issues, at the level of individuals, organisations, governments/countries (economic, political and social issues), and the international science community. (b) HGP outcomes: benefits; ethical, legal and social issues.
Process: first, individually, think about (and jot down) initial ideas, second, in a class or small group context, share initial ideas and any reasons for them, together build on and develop each others’ initial ideas, working constructively – developing the art of giving each other constructive criticism as you together – as a class or group - develop your ideas and consider reasons for them. Finally, select (and jot down) the five key ideas discussed with reasons for these ideas.
Note: if working in groups, each group’s ideas are shared with the class in the lesson’s plenary, with each group nominating a group member to give their group’s feedback.
For Class activity (25 -35 mins): Teacher or volunteer/ nominated student to Chair/ Facilitate the process – individual thinking - and jotting down ideas - time (5-10 minutes), class discussion (10 – 15 minutes), agreeing on and recording key ideas, close of discussion (10 minutes).
For Group work (30 - 45 mins):
- Divide students into groups of four or five
(preferably mixed – attainment and gender), seat facing each other
- First, students to work individually (5 – 10 minutes)
to think about and jot down initial ideas (brief/rough notes, bullet points) about:
(a) Human Genome Project issues: at the level of individuals, organisations, governments/countries (economic, political and social issues), and the international science community.
(b) HGP outcomes: benefits; ethical, legal and social issues.
- Second: within their groups (total group-work time: 15 – 20 minutes)
(a) each group member to share, explore and discuss their ideas further with other group members (10 – 15 minutes)
(b) agree on the group’s five key ideas for sharing with the class in the plenary (5 minutes)
- Finally, in class plenary, each group to share their group’s five key ideas - with (importantly) evidence/reasons/explanations for their ideas - with the class (10 - 15 minutes)
If time permits, facilitate further discussion and together agree on the class’ five main ideas and the associated evidence/reasons/explanations for these ideas.
Optional Preparation: Pre-lesson homework. Preparatory viewing of HGP animation followed by research into the issues faced by the stakeholders involved in the HGP, and project outcomes. Making brief notes on:
- HGP issues, at the level of individuals, organisations, governments/countries (economic, political and social issues), and the international science community.
- HGP outcomes: benefits; ethical, legal and social issues
