Putting DNA to Work
Genetic Disease - Teacher's Section
 This webquest will address the following National Science Education Standards for grades 9 - 12.
Content Standard A – Science as Inquiry
“All students should develop understandings about scientific inquiry.”
“Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations”
Using evidence and logical thinking, students develop an understanding of the DNA sequence as the universal language of all living systems. This commonality allows for the use of model organisms in scientific inquiry to gain knowledge about how life works. Students see how DNA sequence technology will affect their lives as individuals susceptible to genetic diseases.
Content Standard B – Physical Science
“All students should develop an understanding of chemical reactions.”
Students enhance their understanding of chemical reactions and atomic structure by looking more deeply at the structure and function of DNA. Students see how chemical reactions enable forensic scientists to use DNA sequences as a tool to identify criminals and to exonerate individuals who are falsely accused.
Content Standard C – Life Science
“All students should develop an understanding of the cell and of the molecular basis of heredity.”
Students strengthen their understanding of the molecular basis of heredity, the chemical basis of life, and the impact of mutations on living systems. The webquest also provides an opportunity to study ways in which scientists have used an understanding of DNA sequences to solve problems in society.
Content Standard E – Science and Technology
“All students should develop understandings about science and technology.”
Students have an opportunity to think about how technological advances have enabled the understanding of DNA sequences to move forward. As understanding advances, new technologies are developed that make use of new knowledge to solve human and societal problems, such as the study of genetic diseases and the development of interventions to curtail resulting medical problems.
Content Standard F - Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
“All students should develop an understanding of personal and community health and of population growth.”
The webquest allows students to think more deeply about how DNA sequences can affect their own personal health, public health issues and disease prevention.
Content Standard G – History and Nature of Science
“All students should develop understanding of science as a human endeavor and of the nature of scientific knowledge.”
Throughout the webquest, students see the many ways in which technology and science each drive the other forward in a leapfrog manner. Students discuss the application of DNA sequence technologies, share their interpretations, pose questions, and debate the significance and implications of new knowledge. Students deliberate on why the general public may need a better understanding of DNA sequences and how that knowledge may empower then to be more proactive with respect to health issues and genetic testing.
| 
