Module 8 Genomes
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
Something New
One of the great things about a career in teaching science is hearing about advances in science knowledge as they happen. I’ve had a chance to experience the start of epigenetics as a field, rising interest in the microbiome of bacteria living within humans, new drugs like antivirals, and now the creation of entirely new organisms with genetic technologies. It is sometimes alarming, but always exciting!
Lesley
More Protein Synthesis
This video is a walk through a protein synthesis puzzle that can help clarify the steps from a gene to a chain of amino acids.
Have some fun with DNA and protein synthsis modeling; it is understanding the structures and processes that counts.
Additional Activities
Even if you are not a fan of rodents, these mice may reduce end-of-term stress just a bit.
Feather Collection
If you run across feathers that you would like to add a collection, use gloves for handling and place them is a sealed plastic bag for a week. This will kill off parasites like lice and mites. Keep the feather out of light, not all pigments are light stable. Use online guides for identification. Be aware that not all feathers can be collected or traded: body parts of endangered species, including feathers, are typically off limits for collectors.
Faux vs. Real
If you are building a study collection, you may be able to get real specimens from resale shops. We have used old mink stoles, raccoon hats, and mounted game birds in our classes over the years. Another option is using replicas, which in some cases less expensive and may come from a more sustainable source. Either way, these can be powerful educational materials that engage multiple senses.
They are called “junk journals” because they are often constructed from old book covers and scrap papers, but they can be quite intricate. An interesting journal may motivate data collection and production of more elaborate data visualizations.
Local Hatcheries
If you don’t have farms to visit in your area, you may have fish hatcheries raising generations of animals for food consumption or release into waterways. Most have interpretive signage and the ability to interact with some of the fish. The animal care involved in keeping thousands of animals healthy with minimal expenditures is fascinating.
Aquarium
A freshwater aquarium can be relatively inexpensive to set up and low maintenance for many years of study. Key considerations are whether you are keeping cool or warm water fish (need a heater), whether the fish are from faster moving water (need more aeration) and whether they need live foods which can be more costly. Purchase a large tank if possible to minimize fluctuations in water conditions, and add animals slowly after nitrogen-processing bacteria and plants have had an opportunity to establish in the substrate.
Behind-the-Scenes
Favorite Cage
Guinea pigs thrive in space, and the larger canvas-bottomed cages can be linked together to form 4-foot to 12-foot long sections. Nothing is better than watching guinea pigs running, whistling, and “bronco-ing” in a grass-filled cage.
Porcupines
Most of the porcupines in our state are in the High Desert of Eastern Oregon. You can find quill evidence, but these reclusive animals rarely seek out human interactions.
Feathered Friends
If you have pet birds or well-trafficked bird feeders, you know that its not just feathers you get in return. Birds can form strong social bonds with humans and some species lave long life spans and can learn from their many adventures.
Build a House
Even if you have multiple birds that interact together, having a large cage filled with different foods, chews, and an assortment of interactive toys is a good idea. This not only gives the birds something to do, it can reduce stress-related illnesses.
Fish Display
If you live by water, and so many humans do, the cultural impact of fish is probably something reflected in a wide range of art and collectibles.
Best Classroom
We spend most of our time learning outside of the conventional classroom walls and hope you do too!
Hurry up and Wait
Mark gets the shot of fish fry and adult trout by waiting long enough for them to habituate (ignore).
Back up!
Sebastian and Mortimer associate the camera with treats, and it’s almost impossible to keep them from filling the screen and nibbling on the lens.
Accidental Cross
Our mutant strain of flightless fruit flies have crossed with a wild strain that came in with grocery store fruit, and we now have large and assertive flying fruit flies everywhere.
Follow the Fruit
Our secret to photographing animals, whether its birds in the bushes or fruit flies in the kitchen, is to wait quietly next to a pile of fruit.
Recommended Books
Learn from the best: Nigel Holmes has had a significant impact on data presentation.
Any Edward Tufte book is worth having: data takes on a new life.
