Genetics Engagement & Education Network Toolkit
Welcome to the member page of the Genetics Engagement & Education Network! As a member of this network, you will receive a quarterly newsletter, have access to the toolkit of resources approved by ASHG’s Public Education & Awareness Committee (PEAC), and your name will be added to the Network directory, which allows you to be a resource for human genetics-related queries from the public and for you to use the Network directory to find your own speakers and collaborators.
The toolkit below is a compilation of education resources, as well as questions to consider when completing a request from the public. While these are not the only educational resources, the PEAC has researched and approved these as a starting point of the best educational resources. If you have any additional resources that you think would be beneficial for other members to use, please email publicengagement@ashg.org with your suggestions. All resources will be evaluated by a working group of PEAC members.
We have also compiled instructions for how you can get the most out of this Network and community.
If you have not yet joined the Genetics Engagement & Education Network, you may sign up here.
Browse Toolkit
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science | Peer-reviewed collection of 700+ cases |
| BioEd Online/Baylor Gene U: Genetics and Inheritance | Genetics and genomics resources |
| pgEd | Lessons that promote discussions of ethics and personal genetics |
| University of Utah Teach.Genetics | Lessons aimed to bring genetics, bioscience, and health into the classroom. |
| CourseSource | Evidence-based teaching resources for undergraduate biology education. |
| Qubes | A community of math and biology educators who share resources and methods for preparing students to tackle real, complex, biological problems. |
| DNA Learning Center | Laboratory experiments, computer explorations, and an interactive exhibition for students, educators, and the public. |
| HHMI BioInteractive | Award-winning multimedia resources |
| Stanford at The Tech: Understanding Genetics | Resources curated by Stanford University |
Luck of the Draw Card Game: A card game in which players trade genetic traits.
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| pgEd: Map-ed | 5 question quiz to determine genetic knowledge and pin yourself on the map. |
| Traits Bingo | Participants identify genetic traits in themselves and those around them. |
| PTC Taste Testing | Do you have the gene to taste the vile flavor? |
| DNA Learning Center | Laboratory experiments, computer explorations, and an interactive exhibition for students, educators, and the public. |
| HHMI BioInteractive | Award-winning multimedia resources |
| Stanford at The Tech: Understanding Genetics | Resources curated by Stanford University |
| Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code | This collaboration between NHGRI and the Smithsonian highlights genomics’ past, present, and future |
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| ASHG: Six Things | Six Things You Should Know About Genetics |
| 23andMe: Genetics 101 | A collection of educational materials to guide you on your personal journey of genetic discovery. |
| NHGRI: Your Genome & You | A basic explanation of your genome. |
| University of Utah Learn.Genetics | Videos, interactive pages, articles |
| Positive Exposure Galleries | Non-clinical slideshows of 40+ genetic conditions |
| Stanford at The Tech: Understanding Genetics | Resources curated by Stanford University |
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| NHGRI: What You Need to Know | A question and answer guide through DTC Genetic Testing. |
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science | Peer-reviewed collection of 700+ cases |
Activity Length
- What is the length of the class?
- How much actual teaching time is there?
- How long does the teacher need at beginning and end of class?
- Is there a break in the middle of class?
Logistics
- What is the size of the class?
- Where can I park?
- Is there a sign-in procedure?
- When should I arrive?
- Do I need to pack lunch or am I able to buy lunch?
Tools and Setup
- Are students grouped on lab benches or in chairs?
- Which direction are students facing?
- Is there a smart board and/or projector? What are the hookup options?
- Is there a printer available? Is it black and white or color?
- Do the students have personal or group computers?
Type of Activity
-
- How interested are students – do they need more hands-on activities?
- What background knowledge do they have?
- What will they have just covered in class?
- Would a “flipped classroom” approach work?
- How can I get the students moving?
- Make students’ learning relevant and engaging.
- Start off with a question to get students participating right away
- For a clue game or forensic activity, you might involve a rival school’s mascot
- For a fish activity, you might start by asking them their favorite fish to eat
- Don’t start the class with a long background on who you are. Be brief. Make it relatable (mention your hobbies or when you got interested in science) and use more pictures than words.
- Bring business cards so students can contact you after you leave.
- Bring information about volunteer and/or intern opportunities available to students in the area and/or at your institution/company.
If you have any questions, please contact publicengagement@ashg.org.