pgEd’s lesson plans have been updated and expanded for 2014, and we are confident teachers and students will find them more dynamic and engaging than ever. The field of personal genetics changes so rapidly, and we are happy to have been able to synthesize news of many of the new technological developments, policy changes and emerging social and ethical questions into our curriculum. All lessons now have very clear learning objectives, are aligned with Common Core standards, feature current background readings for instructors as well as student evaluation tools – in addition to the pieces they’ve always had – detailed notes, challenging and thought-provoking class activities and, for some, PowerPoint slides to augment the lesson.
In particular, we have updated the scientific and ethics content in our lessons related to athletics and genetics, protecting athletes with genetic conditions, reproductive technology and aggression and genetic complexity. Policy changes, regulatory shifts and legal concepts are explored more fully, and feature examples and developments from 2014, in “Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing,” “DNA, Crime and Law Enforcement” and “Genetics, Jobs and Your Rights.”
Every lesson has been revised, and we believe teachers and students alike will find the changes we have made to be relevant, unique and engaging in a wide range of classrooms. Let us know what you think!