Ideas for "gene expression?"

[Sean Nash]

A colleague came to me today asking if I had any ideas for engaging learning events, labs, etc. along the topic of gene expression. I am hoping that this is an opportunity to show off the power of niche-based social media (and of course this site in particular) to come through with some suggestions. Good lesson ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance,

Sean

[Gregory Louie]

Hi Sean,

At what level does your colleague teach?

Of course, the answer will depend on the sophistication of the students. I can only speak for my students.

My middle school students go through a learning progression starting with the viewing several molecular visualizations that provide a cellular context for gene expression. You'll find a few of those in our Molecular Visions group here at the Synapse Ning. I start with the Inner Life of the Cell, then use Drew Barry's Body Code and then discuss cancer signaling pathways using Inside Cancer's website. The goal is to give my students an intuitive feel for the role of gene expression in the life of cells.

We then complete an extended lesson on DNA to proteins (aka gene expression) using the molecular simulations in Concord Consortium's Molecular Workbench. This allows students to understand the details of the genetic code during transcription and translation. The simulation engine is available at: http://mw.concord.org/modeler/

I follow these activities with HHMI Biointeractives Transgenic Fly Lab at: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/transgenic_fly/index.html. This allows them to transfer a gene from a firefly into a fruit fly in a virtual lab.

I hope that helps your colleague. He or she can find out more by looking at my post in the Molecular Visions Group or checking out my website at http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/mrglouie

All the best,

Greg

[Gregory Louie]

Hi Sean,

P.S. Earlier this year, I actually posted a more detailed learning progression at the Molecular Visions Group page. You'll see it in the discussion forum.