Putting DNA to Work
Genetic Disease
 Introduction
Experienced science teachers understand the value of making basic concepts relevant to their students’ lives. Research indicates that providing an applicable frame of reference makes it easier for students to grasp abstract scientific concepts. Tying the study of science to “real world” events and situations can engage students in the scientific process in ways that most textbooks cannot. Along these lines, the Koshland Science Museum has developed a webquest for high school and undergraduate students that focuses on genetic testing and genetic diseases.
Overview of Activity
In just the past decade, scientists’ knowledge about genes and how they work has grown at an unprecedented rate. Recent discoveries about how genes contribute to common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are changing the way medicine is practiced and driving discovery of new types of drugs and treatments. These discoveries promise to continue well into the future. Much of the early progress in this field came from studying genetic diseases that resulted from the presence or absence of a single gene. This webquest allows students to experience firsthand how scientists and public health officials investigate diseases. Students play various roles as they try to determine why a group of children in a remote village are becoming ill. Students take on the role of DNA scientist, epidemiologist, disease specialist, or genetic counselor as they learn about DNA structure and function, basic genetics and heredity, treatment options, and disease epidemiology. Upon completion of their individual tasks, the team of students must then work together to present their findings and make recommendations that address the situation. The activity was designed in conjunction with the 2006 National DNA Day Celebration, which was hosted with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Studying the human genome has led to some amazing developments in recent years. Understanding how genes function and interact is becoming critical to developing new treatments for some of the most common conditions, including heart disease, cancer , and diabetes.. Much of the early progress in this field came from studying genetic diseases that resulted from the presence or absence of a single gene. In this activity, you will gain a solid understanding of how DNA works and discover firsthand how scientists and public health officials identify, test for, and treat genetic diseases. As you play a role in a medical investigation team, you will make some of the same discoveries that a real scientist working in genetics would make.
Students
Begin your webquest adventure.
Teachers
Find instructions and more information on how to use this Genetic Disease Webquest in your classroom in the teacher’s section.
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