Human Genome Project: From Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information
Lesson idea. An animation entitled: 'How the human genome was sequenced'.
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]] |
| Learning Objectives |
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| Format / structure | Flash animation (short: 1.2MB) |
| Subject | [[Resources/Biology|Biology]], [[Resources/Science|Science]] |
| Age of students / grade | [[Resources/KS5|KS5]], [[Resources/AS|AS]], [[Resources/A2|A2]], [[Resources/Secondary|Secondary]] |
| Additional Resources/material needed | There is a requirement to view and run the animation on a computer (needs flash plugin). Alternatively there are student information sheets (see details below) this requires the provision of print outs. The Human Genome Project student information sheet with details of sequencing within the context of the Human Genome Project can be acceded at: http://www.yourgenome.org/downloads/pdf/teachers/info/HGP_infosheet.pdf |
| Related ORBIT Wiki Resources | |
| Files and resources to view and download | The Human Genome Project student information sheet with details of sequencing within the context of the Human Genome Project can be downloaded from http://www.yourgenome.org/downloads/pdf/teachers/info/HGP_infosheet.pdf
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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 small group-work to engage students with the science and the economic, political, ethical, legal and social issues of a project 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): 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
Teacher's Notes
This is an animation (and/or student information sheet) that can be used to inform discussion about ‘How science works’ through: (i) in the context of the Human Genome Project and the outcomes of this international collaboration
It also covers specific A2 Science/ Biology content: (ii) how scientific techniques can be derived from natural biological processes; this animation demonstrates how the principles of the Sanger sequencing method are derived from the natural process of DNA replication (iii) how recombinant DNA techniques were used in the Human Genome Project to clone DNA sections for sequencing.
Optional Lesson Activity (5 – 10 mins) (i) there is a related paper-based student activity (see SC0016) which includes a DNA to Data worksheet activity in which students can arrange stages of the DNA sequencing process in the correct order.
Optional Pre-lesson preparation – Homework activity: It would be helpful to have some preparatory familiarisation with the animation/ information sheet resources and encourage students to research into the issues faced by stakeholders - individuals, organisations, the scientific community and governments – during the Human Genome Project. HGP outcomes, benefits, ethical, legal and social issues could be set as pre-lesson preparation, or a Homework activity.
Useful information
There is a Human Genome Project student information sheet (pdf) with details of sequencing within the context of the Human Genome Project, see: http://www.yourgenome.org/downloads/pdf/teachers/info/HGP_infosheet.pdf
Related people profile weblinks: Fred Sanger, Nobel Laureate who developed the process of dideoxynucleotide sequencing (Sanger sequencing) used in the Human Genome Project. Sir John Sulston, Nobel Laureate, founding director of The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. See: http://www.yourgenome.org/people/fred_sanger.shtml which also has links to further related Web links to:
(i) additional information sources re: DNA, genes, genomes and FAQs about the Human Genome Project. (ii) related videos: short interview clips with leading scientists - answering key questions on the Human Genome Project. Can be used in conjunction with the animation to stimulate discussion in class or to help answer questions that may arise.
