Modern Genetics For All Students

Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Dr. Cynthia J. Moore
Phone (314) 935-4550 / Fax (314) 935-4432
moore@biodec.wustl.edu

This project is aimed at increasing scientific literacy in human genetics and modern molecular biology among high school students from all learning levels, by providing dissemination of the curriculum enhancement program "Modern Genetics for All Students".

Washington University, the Mathematics and Science Education Center (MSEC) of the Cooperating School Districts of St. Louis, and four local school districts have collaborated to develop and field-test a curriculum unit of traditional genetics integrated with modern molecular biology and human health information for ninth and tenth grade students. Four local high schools, representing urban, suburban, and rural environments, are currently implementing the unit, with biology students at all levels (honors, general biology, and life sciences) participating in at least fourteen weeks of activities. We believe that a basic foundation of genetic knowledge and awareness of bioethical issues will provide students with the resources to make better informed health care choices. Hands-on activities, student problem solving, and group projects allow students to explore modern genetic concepts as well as the relevance of current biotechnology and medical research to health issues.

The unit activities have been extensively tested and evaluated in every classroom at the participating schools. Statistical evaluation of both student knowledge gains and improvements in student attitudes towards science and health show the curriculum to be effective with all student levels, and also with females and underrepresented minorities. Our field-testing model has identified three factors which are essential for the success of hands-on intensive science in the classroom: teacher content training, provision of materials in classroom-ready form, and strong implementation support during the first year of new curriculum use. Teachers at the local high schools indicate that this model has enabled them to both improve their current teaching strategies, and also establish an internal support network which will sustain itself after the current grant period.

For further information, contact:

Victoria May - phone (314) 935-6846
e-mail may@biodec.wustl.edu

or

Dr. Cynthia J. Moore Science Outreach Coordinator Washington
University Biology Department
Campus Box 1137 St. Louis, MO 63130
phone (314) 935-4550
e-mail moore@biodec.wustl.edu