Happy2BaMom Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 Ds wants to explore genetics. This is not an official part of our school plan this year, but I want to support his interest in this. Genetics is pretty far beyond the scope of science that we've covered so far, but ds can handle scientific material written up to about 6th/7th grade level. That's still pretty early for genetics to pop up (if I remember right that is.....middle school was a LLLLOOOOONNNNGGGG time ago for me :tongue_smilie:). Does anyone know of any resources that might whet his appetite without getting too technical? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 This toy is kind of nifty. It has hands-on explorations as well as some written material. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 Have you got any science museums nearby? Besides a gigantic traveling exhibit on genetics that came to ours a couple of years ago, there are usually some small bits and pieces on genetics in Natural History or regular science museums. There is a series of easy picture books: DNA Is Here to Stay;Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes; Gene Machines; Have a Nice DNA. You can get instructions on how to extract DNA from fruit in multiple places on the web, including biology.about.com Carolina Biological Supply has a kit for making a DNA necklace. Zome Tools used to have a small kit for making a 3-D model of DNA. http://www.mysciencebox.org/home has a link to a unit on genetics, including some fun activities like designing a dog through genetic selection. Some will be too advanced for your child, but others might be great to play around with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted September 27, 2010 Author Share Posted September 27, 2010 Thank you both for these great suggestions! KarenAnne, I appreciate the thought/time to offer so many activities to explore! I would not thought of them on my own, given that genetics has never much crossed my own mind. Wish us luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaraHen Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 My kids had fun with this: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/clickandclone/'>http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/clickandclone/ From their main genetics site: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ Tara :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onaclairadeluna Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 The Cartoon Guide to Genetics http://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-Guide-Genetics-Updated/dp/0062730991 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 This book is excellent! The Way Life Works. http://www.amazon.com/Way-Life-Works-Illustrated-Reproduces/dp/0812928881/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285630985&sr=8-2 Here is something that I have on my wishlist, but haven't purchased yet.... http://www.amazon.com/Stuff-Life-Graphic-Guide-Genetics/dp/0809089475/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I14MVSMIH07CG0&colid=3675MC8VMZ36D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 I put together a study on the human body this school year and we are doing a section on genetics. You can see our study and resources here. You will need to scroll down to find the genetics lesson plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGK Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 This is a cute picture book/biography about Gregor Mendel: http://www.amazon.com/Gregor-Mendel-Friar-Grew-Peas/dp/0810954753/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285689297&sr=1-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted September 28, 2010 Author Share Posted September 28, 2010 I love this board! Where else can a person get ump-teen wonderful suggestions on a relatively obscure topic within a day? WeHomeSchool...love the lesson plan...you obviously put a ton of work into those. Everyone else - thanks for the great book suggestions and internet links. Our local library had most of the books and my son can't wait to get to the web sites. Thanks to all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 My oldest is doing a genetics study. As an intro he's using the Usborne Introduction to Genetics and DNA. From there we're using resources and lesson plans from Cold Spring Harbor's Lab. http://www.dnalc.org/resources/products/dnaidvd.html Check out their kid listings here (scroll down) - http://www.dnalc.org/resources/cshl-press.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownie Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 We bought the knex DNA kit to go with our life science study this year with ds10 and ds8. I haven't tried it yet but we do like knex. Brownie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I've just found a new series which I'm excited about. Renaissance Learning gives it a 8.7-8.8 grade reading level. The series title is The Story of Science, not to be confused w/ Hakim's Story of Science trilogy. THe book which is about genetics is The Treasure of Inheritance. These are OOP but my library system as them all. I've checked out The Miracle of Immunity, The Ever-Changing Atom and The Tales Fossils Tell. These books first go through the historical context of the topic and then into current scientific knowledge of the subject. My 2nd and 5th grade boys were fighting over who'd get to read the Fossil's book during reading time. :001_smile: Titles in this series: Dance of the COntinents Early Humans Earth's Place in Space The Ever-Changing Atom Eyes on the Universe The Life Stories of Stars The Miracle of Immunity The Mystery of Gravity The Origins of Life The Tales Fossils Tell The Treasure of Inheritance The Wonders of Biodiversity There is also the Usborne book on Genetics and DNA which someone mentioned above. I know there is another but I can't recall the title. I'll ask my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted October 5, 2010 Share Posted October 5, 2010 The Cartoon Guide to Genetics http://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-Guide-Genetics-Updated/dp/0062730991 I second this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted October 5, 2010 Author Share Posted October 5, 2010 Yes, our library has it (Cartoon Guide)....ds is really enjoying it, thanks for the suggestion(s)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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