Lesson Plan
Description
This lesson provides students with a historical overview of the American eugenics movement and highlights some of the advances and breakthroughs that have been achieved through genetic and genomic research. Many people fear that new advances in genetics, particularly embryo screening and analysis of fetal DNA, could lead to a new era of eugenics. The goal of this lesson is for students to start discussing these topics so that they can understand the complexity of the issues and engage in conversations that contrast the dangers of eugenics with the benefits that can come from genetic information.
Last reviewed February 2025.
PGED is currently working to update this resource.
We are aware that the clip from “The Gene: An Intimate History” that we link to in the lesson is no longer available on the PBS LearningMedia website. You can find the clip in Episode 1 of the series, from 34:58-44:15.
We are aware that the clip from “The Gene: An Intimate History” that we link to in the lesson is no longer available on the PBS LearningMedia website. You can find the clip in Episode 1 of the series, from 34:58-44:15.
Activities
Slideshow (40 minutes), discussion (15-20 minutes).
View Our Terms of Use & Copyright Policy Statements.
