NC DNA Day - Teachers and Students

Welcome to the NC DNA Day Teachers & Students page, your source for DNA Day classroom activities in the sciences. Our classroom activities were developed by UNC DNA Day ambassadors for high school students. Please visit our resources page for more information regarding the activities.

Our Teacher Application for DNA Day 2008 is now closed. We will notify teachers of whether they were selected by March 15th.

Thank-you for your interest!

We are hosting an NC DNA Day T-shirt Design Contest this year. Click here to see the rules!

2008 DNA Day Modules

The Chemistry of DNA

The Chemistry of DNA This module will be centered around the extremely significant DNA reaction, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Through PCR, the students will learn about chemical reactions and catalysis, as well as DNA structure and bonding. An activity ‘enacting’ PCR is designed to get the class moving, and will be followed by a discussion on intellectual property and discovery rights. We hope that learning about PCR will help students understand the fundamental relationships between chemistry and biology, and the impact of science on society in general. This module is designed to integrate with the North Carolina State requirements in chemistry as well as biology. This module was specifically designed for Chemistry Classes.

Human Genome Project

Students will discuss the reasons behind and the implications of the Human Genome Project. A review of DNA structure and sequencing is presented. Students will engage in a short mock DNA sequencing activity and explore the outcomes of the completed genome such as personalized medicine, tracing the roots of human history, and uncovering how cells are function, as well as the ethical and legal consequences such as the privatization of the genome, gene patenting, healthcare and insurance issues.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common childhood, inherited diseases resulting in a shortened life span and a range of debilitating symptoms—including chronic lung infections, and eventual lung failure. An estimated 1 in 22 people of European decent carry a mutated copy of this gene in their genome. The cystic fibrosis module explores this disease from a genetic perspective. Students will learn a real-world example of problems that can occur when DNA is mutated, as well as how the discovery of the mutated gene means hope for those suffering with this disease. Students will also learn how the researchers, doctors, and genetic counselors have discovered the gene, treated patients, and have helped people assess their risk of passing the disease on to their children. This module includes a genetic testing simulation activity, where students determine if an individual carries the mutated gene—hopefully leading to discussions about ethical issues involved with genetic testing.

Genes and Disease

Genes and Disease This module is designed to help students understand the genetic basis for diseases ranging from simple, single-gene disorders, such as Huntington’s Disease, to complex multi-gene disorders like heart disease, cancer, and Type II diabetes. The following topics will be covered:

Interplay between genes and environment in causing disease
How genetic changes can lead to disease
Punnett squares and pedigree analysis
How disease genes are identified
How knowing the genetics of a disease can benefit us

The module will end with a discussion/debate about ethical considerations regarding testing for genetic diseases.

Biotechnology and Farming

Biotechnology and Farming In this module we will explore the increasing impact of genetics and molecular biology on food production today. We will look at how changes in DNA can make for healthier and heartier crops, and discuss the ethical issues inherit in making such modifications. The concepts of restriction enzymes and gene cloning will be covered.

SNPs

SNPs With 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, the possibility for genetic variation is virtually endless. This module will cover how as few as one base pair change between people can cause a major difference. Advanced and beginning students will learn about novel changes to the field of biology as it pertains to single nucleotide polymorphisms, or put simply, a change in base pairs between different people, and their implications on society.

Forensics

In the forensics module, students learn how DNA is analyzed by forensic scientists in order to link DNA to a particular individual. Students learn about restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, and analyzing DNA on an agarose gel.

Ethic, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI)

ELSI Students are broken up into groups and are presented with vignettes that discuss different ethical, legal, or social implications of DNA sequencing or genetic inheritance. Individual groups are then asked to role-play possible scenarios based on the vignettes they have discussed.

Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetics In this module students will learn about the concept of 'personalized' medicine, how differences in our genes affect whether a drug will be successful or have serious side effects, and how we can use this information to customize treatments for individual patients. The students will also participate in a hands-on activity to further demonstrate how subtle genetic differences affect a patient's response to medication.

Quotes from teachers who participated in DNA Day 2007

"Excellent presentation- students were very engaged and interested! The presenters were very friendly and interacted well with the students."
"My students were thrilled to meet a "real scientist.“ I will use the lab on CF in future genetics units."
"Great review of the basics of DNA. It really helps students to see why we are different at the molecular level, while keeping things simple."
"I am so glad my class was selected to have a DNA ambassador presentation. The students were exposed to working scientists who reinforced the relevance."
"This was a useful reinforcement for the "nuts and bolts" information about the Human Genome Project that we cover in the Standard Course of Study. Thanks for offering this! Excellent thought-starters!!"
"The presenters were prepared and very engaging. They challenged the students to think beyond themselves."
"2nd period was eating out of their hands. The kids enjoyed presentation. They are still talking about it."
"The presentation reinforced what was taught in class and gave more insight into the ever-changing science of DNA technology."
"Students were engaged in the presentation and understood the activity. The visuals were great!"
"The presentation hit many of the objectives in the NC standard course of study. I would love to participate in this again."

To see a complete list of quotes from teachers, please click here.

Quotes from students who participated in DNA Day 2007

"What I liked most about DNA Day is the connection made between the justice system and DNA, as well as the ethical boundaries of DNA collection." --Chapel Hill HS (Forensics)
"What I liked most about DNA Day is learning about how we can insert a piece of human DNA into a fetal mouse brain and see what the functions are of that specific piece of human DNA." --NC Science and Math (ELSI)

Has your perspective of science changed? If so, how?

"Yes, I thought it would be sort of boring…but our ambassadors really changed my perspective. I really like science!" --Seventy-First HS (Genome)
"Somewhat, because when I hear "scientist," I think of a nerdy guy in a bowtie. So when I come in and learn so much from two students at a college, I realized that they are not all like the stereotype." --Massey Hill HS (Cystic Fibrosis)