pgEd’s goal is to engage students in the exciting and complex issues in personal genetics. We create curriculum and develop workshops to bring the cutting edge of genetics and the associated ethical, legal, and social implications into high school and college classrooms. With an emphasis on social justice, our materials are relevant to multiple subjects, including biology, health, social studies, law, physical education and psychology.
Curricula on genetics and ethics
We have developed a set of lesson plans that are ready to use – complete with background reading, classroom activities, and, in many cases, PowerPoint slides – to help students explore some of the big ideas and controversies. Current topics include Introduction to Personal Genetics, Genome editing and CRISPR, Reproductive Genetic Testing, DNA, Crime, and Law Enforcement, Genetics, History, and the American Eugenics Movement, and many more.
Professional development
pgEd organizes interactive professional development workshops that explore the content and activities within our lesson plans. We offer workshops, ranging from a 1-2 hour session to a 3-day course, for which we award professional development points. Check out the sidebar or our events page for a list of upcoming events. To arrange a workshop in your district, please email Robin Bowman at rbowman@pged.med.harvard.edu or call our office at 617-432-1797.
Classroom visits
We may be available to visit your classroom in person or via videoconferencing. We are based in Boston, Massachusetts and Brunswick, Maine. If you’d like to discuss the possibility of a pgEd visit, or are looking for support to use our curriculum in your classroom, please email Robin Bowman at rbowman@pged.med.harvard.edu.
Want to learn more about what pgEd has to offer?
Download pgEd’s 2019 brochure with information about our resources and trainings. Please help us spread the word by sharing with your friends and colleagues.
