Cross Learning

		Genetics as a Focus for Cross-disciplinary Learning
		The study of genetics crosses several scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry (e.g. the molecular structure of DNA), and environmental science (e.g. conservation genetics). In addition, certain facets of genetics strongly overlap with mathematics, social studies, and health and fitness. And like all the sciences, genetics provides ideal fodder for diverse communications activities-reading, writing, oral language-both in traditional science lab notebooks, and poster and oral presentations and creative applications as well, as listed below.
		When genetics is taught as an interdisciplinary subject, students come to understand how concepts in science apply to many aspects of learning and living. GEP teachers were asked how genetics could be used to teach other subjects in their classrooms. Their creative and diverse responses, given below, are by no means comprehensive and are certain to spark additional ideas for cross-disciplinary activities.

Subject Area	Sample Activities and Topics
Social Studies	History The Watson-Crick discovery of DNA and its effect the field of genetics is an example of a historical paradigm shift. Technology influences people and promotes social change. The genetic engineering revolution has changed agriculture, medicine, etc. Civics Examine the question: "Are all people created equal?" Will genetic differences between individuals affect personal liberties and opportunities? Will people be denied jobs or insurance coverage because of their genotype? Study how privacy rights will be affected as we learn more about people’s genetic make-up. What new policies will develop based on knowledge of people’s genetic predispositions? Geography and Anthropology The question of where man originated can be studied through examination of mitochondrial DNA. Compare gene pools in different geographical areas. Examine the effects of environmental influences on phenotype, e.g. hemoglobin function at different altitudes. Examine birth defects caused by changes in the DNA, which may have geographical-specific origins (e.g. radiation-induced mutations in Chernobyl). Economics Study the development of the biotechnology industry, which is an important part of the economy in the Pacific Northwest. Follow the stocks of biotechnology companies and relate their progress to kev product discoveries.
Arts	Music Translate the sequence of a gene into notes and play the composition Drama/Dance Choreograph a dance to illustrate a genetics concept, e.g. the movement of chromosomes during mitosis or meiosis. Visual Arts Make models of DNA. Organize data from an experiment into charts, diagrams, or other Use an art form to communicate genetics concepts, e.g. the elegance of DNA structure, the complexity of a cell's cytoskeletal network.
Mathematics	Sort, measure, and grade phenotypes (e.g. measure the heights of plants in a population). Graph population phenotype data, including mean, median, etc. Calculate the ratios of phenotype classes among progeny. Calculate the match of expected to actual progeny ratios (chi-square statistical test). Predict the probabilities of phenotype classes in a cross. Determine linkage (or non-linkage) in a two factor cross. Determine gene and allele frequencies using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Follow protocols and perform lab manipulations: measure volumes with micropipettes, calculate amounts of each component to add to enzyme reactions, re are buffers and solutions.
Health and Fitness	Learn about human reproduction, growth, and development. Study environmental and genetic influences on health and behavior. Learn about the transmission of both communicable (e.g. viral and bacterial) and non-communicable (i.e. inherited) diseases
Writing	Develop an experimental design and protocol. Write them up as if for the instruction manual of a science kit. Practice technical writing-write up lab results in report format, i.e. hypothesis, introduction, material and methods, results/data, and conclusions. Keep a journal of the progress of an experiment. Write lab reports for different audiences: teacher, peers, scientists,a brochure for the public. Write up scientific results according to set conventions, e.g. as an essay, as a proposal for funding to a foundation, as a marketing piece to convince customers to buy a product. Write creative stories on "what would happen if...?" using genetics content (e.g. What would happen if I could clone my mom?). Write poems or song lyrics using genetics content, e.g. the structure of DNA. Write a persuasive essay on an ethical issue related to genetics. Write an opinion piece from the opposing viewpoint.
Reading	Learn genetics vocabulary, the language of researchers and genetic counselors. Read, understand, and follow experimental protocols. Read genetics texts, magazines, articles, and websites. Read literature about children or individuals with disabilities or genetic conditions and how they cope with extraordinary pressures (e.g. Lorenzo's Oil, The U l Duckling ).
Communications	High School: Perform a case study simulation, e.g. a genetic counseling session. Middle School: Observe and verbalize the similarities and differences among individuals in a population. Elem.: Pick out observable characteristics and communicate this orally. Explore genetics through role playing, e.g. act out protein synthesis, stage a mock trial on a genetics-related societal or ethical issue. Give an oral presentation on research. Have students teach parents what they've learned about enetics.