Genome editing is accelerating the pace of biological research and offers the potential to prevent and cure disease; create crops that are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and more nutritious; and help us adapt to life on a warming planet. But it also raises concerns – especially in light of the history of eugenics. Eugenicists in the early 20th century sought to “improve” the human race through sterilization, immigration restriction and anti-miscegenation laws. Now that we are able to edit the human genome, how do we ensure this technology isn’t used as a new tool for eugenics? This workshop will focus on pgEd’s lessons related to the American eugenics movement and genome editing, including:

– Introduction to Personal Genetics
– Genetics, History and the American Eugenics Movement
– Using Primary Sources to Examine the History of Eugenics
– Genome Editing and CRISPR
– Birth of CRISPR-edited Twins
– Genome Editing and the Environment

Course Outcomes
Attendees will receive pgEd’s curriculum and learn how to include discussions of ethical, social, and legal implications of personal genetics with their students.

Content Areas
Biology, biotechnology, government, health, humanities, law, social studies. Everyone welcome, particularly teachers of grades 8-12, college professors and administrators.

Course Mode
This course is a mix of asynchronous learning and live course chats via Zoom, with a total course load of about 10 hours. Group meetings times:
– Monday, July 24, 2pm Eastern
– Friday, July 28, 2pm Eastern
– Friday, August 4, 2pm Eastern

Professional Development Points
pgEd is an approved provider of professional development points in Massachusetts. This workshop qualified for 10 PDPs.

Registration: https://forms.gle/782vrES5TxgfzM4N9
For more information: Email Robin at rbowman@pged.med.harvard.edu