The Ancestry Testing module teaches students quantitative and data analysis skills through the engaging story of a high school student exploring ancestry DNA testing, while also incorporating bioethics and career exploration.
The Ancestry Testing module teaches students quantitative and data analysis skills through the engaging story of a high school student exploring ancestry DNA testing, while also incorporating bioethics and career exploration.
The Ancestry Testing module aims to teach quantitative and data analysis skills in the context of genetics and bioinformatics. This module introduces students to the concept of ancestry DNA testing, using a narrative to frame the learning activities. Students will follow the fictional story of Sam, a high school student who wants an at-home ancestry DNA test for their 18th birthday.
In addition to the biology concepts introduced, students will use quantitative skills to calculate DNA variations in individuals and across populations. They will also interpret and explain results, such as associating individuals with geographic populations. Each part of the Ancestry Testing module also includes accompanying sections on bioethics and career exploration, which can be incorporated as part of the activity or used separately. In each Ethics section, students will connect social and cultural themes to the biology concepts in the activity through research, reflections, predictions, discussions, and/or debates. In each Careers section, students will perform self-directed exploration of jobs associated with the learning topics in the main activity.
Explore DNA variants and discover how mutations during DNA replication make each organism unique. Learn about their role in genetic variation and their potential impact on life.
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