ERIC Number: EJ1044408
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Aug
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-7685
EISSN: N/A
Beyond the Central Dogma: Bringing Epigenetics into the Classroom
Drits-Esser, Dina; Malone, Molly; Barber, Nicola C.; Stark, Louisa A.
American Biology Teacher, v76 n6 p365-369 Aug 2014
Epigenetics is the study of how external factors and internal cellular signals can lead to changes in the packaging and processing of DNA sequences, thereby altering the expression of genes and traits. Exploring the epigenome introduces students to environmental influences on our genes and the complexities of gene expression. A supplemental curriculum module developed by the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah brings epigenetics to high school and undergraduate classrooms through a range of online and paper-based activities. We describe these activities and provide strategies for incorporating both introductory and more advanced materials that explore "cell memory," epigenetic inheritance, nutrition, and emerging connections between the epigenome and behavior. Finally, we outline recent research on student learning gains using the GSLC's epigenetics module and provide connections to the Next Generation Science Standards.
Descriptors: Genetics, Biology, Environmental Influences, High School Students, Undergraduate Students, Learning Activities, Instructional Materials, Science Curriculum, Curriculum Design, Science Instruction
University of California Press. 2000 Center Street Suite 303, Berkeley, CA 94704. Tel: 510-643-7154; Fax: 510-642-9917; e-mail: customerservice@ucpressjournals.com; Web site: http://www.ucpressjournals.com/journal.php?j=abt
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Utah
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A