The Bio-ITEST genetic research curriculum is designed for high school students in grades 9-12. In a series of nine lessons plus an optional wet lab, students are introduced to the idea of using genetic information to identify species through a process called DNA barcoding. Students also learn how genetic information and bioinformatics tools can be used to study species' relatedness. Through this curriculum, students:
- Learn how to compare and align DNA and protein sequences
- Use sequence information to identify from which species the sequence came
- Perform multiple sequence alignments to compare relatedness among species
- Understand the complementary nature of DNA and the six potential reading frames of DNA
- Work with molecular structures to understand how a poison binds to the active site of a protein
- Communicate their findings by writing a research report
- Explore ethical issues related to funding genetic research
- Learn about bioinformatics careers
- Work through activities to assess understanding
Download Genetic Research Overview (pdf)