Title: Ingenious Genes

Description: Ingenious Genes is part of the Microexplorers series, which also includes books on chromosomes and reproduction (How the Y Makes the Guy), cells (The Cell Works), and the immune system (Your Body's Heroes and Villains).  Designed for 8-12 year-olds, this beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a tour of cells and the genetic machinery in "Professor Gene's Micromachine".  Students learn what genes are and how they work, what happens when genes are faulty, what genetic engineers do, and genetics applications in medicine, agriculture, and forensics.  A student-friendly "What do you Remember?" assessment is provided at the end of the book.

Strengths: Factual information about genetics is presented in an interesting and simple format.  Sequential development of the information helps children easily follow the material.  Illustrations are clear and colorful.  The children pictured in the book are of both genders and represent multiple ethnicities.

Weaknesses: No activities are included in this book.  Although a number of topics with ethical implications are introduced, such as cloning of humans and genetic engineering of foods, no mention is made of any possible ethical considerations.

Keywords: Inheritance, DNA structure, genes, chromosomes, variation, cells, proteins, differentiation, sexual reproduction, biotechnology, human, medical genetics

Genetics concepts addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
(view genetics concepts)

Other subjects addressed: Immunology

last updated 6/08/00