Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works. Students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building 3D DNA double helix models, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring's probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources. Genetics meets common core state standards in language arts for reading informational text and literary nonfiction and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
April 15, 2014 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781619302105
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781619302105
- File size: 4732 KB
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 1040
- Text Difficulty: 6-8
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Reviews
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September 1, 2014
Gr 6-10-This exploration of genetics uses the question "How are traits inherited from one generation to the next?" as a jumping-off point. Each chapter explains key discoveries and advances that have led to our current understanding of genetics, starting with Gregor Mendel. A variety of topics are covered: the discovery of DNA, the role of genes and chromosomes, the process of mitosis and meiosis, and the importance of RNA. The book also examines genetic mutations and scientific advances in the field, such as DNA fingerprinting, genetically modified organisms, and cloning. Written in a conversational style, this text renders complex content comprehensible. Each chapter includes many hands-on activities of varying degrees of usefulness and effectiveness. Given minimal but generally sufficient instructions, students are asked to recreate a version of Mendel's experiment, create a Punnett square, extract DNA from fruit, and create a model depicting meiosis, among other tasks. Internet access is required for some activities. Black-and-white, comic booklike illustrations impart some information but mostly add humor. Sidebars contribute additional facts, including scannable QR codes that link to helpful videos, such as clips on sexual reproduction and mitosis available though YouTube on Hank Green's Crash Course channel. These codes are a great addition, assuming students have access to a smartphone or a tablet app. A solid STEM resource recommended for general interest as well as supplemental curricular use.-Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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April 15, 2014
Grades 4-7 What do dimples, a widow's peak, and a cleft chin all have in common? Genetics! Beginning with a time line and an introduction to the study of heredity, this entry in the Inquire and Investigate series explains genetics in eight chapters that build upon one another. The first chapter presents Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, and his groundbreaking work with pea plants. Other chapters highlight the makeup of cells, DNA and how it sends messages, genes and chromosomes, sex cells and meiosis, and gene mutations. A final chapter considers genetic advances, such as genetic modification and cloning, and ethical questions pertaining to these issues. Each chapter concludes with easy-to-follow inquiry-based activities and experiments that emphasize the scientific method and help students understand the topic. Numerous cartoons, facts, and QR codes that link to videos add further interest. Although the book can be used independently, it will be better appreciated with some background knowledge. A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)
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