Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA (Inquire and Investigate) - Softcover

Mooney, Carla

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1619302128 ISBN 13: 9781619302129

Publisher: Nomad Press, 2014

Synopsis

Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works.

In Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building 3D DNA double helix models, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring’s probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Genetics meets common core state standards in language arts for reading informational text and literary nonfiction and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.

About this title

About the Author

Carla Mooney is the author of several books for young readers including Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation, The Industrial Revolution: Investigate How Science and Technology Changed the World, and Explore Rivers and Ponds! With 25 Projects. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sam Carbaugh is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He has worked with many colleges and companies to create informational comics and illustrations. Sam lives in Grand Rapids, MI.

From the Back Cover

Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works. Students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building a 3D DNA double helix model, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring’s probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

From the Inside Flap

Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works. Students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building a 3D DNA double helix model, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring’s probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Reviews

What do dimples, a widow’s peak, and a cleft chin all have in common? Genetics! Beginning with a time line and an introduction to the study of heredity, this entry in the Inquire and Investigate series explains genetics in eight chapters that build upon one another. The first chapter presents Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, and his groundbreaking work with pea plants. Other chapters highlight the makeup of cells, DNA and how it sends messages, genes and chromosomes, sex cells and meiosis, and gene mutations. A final chapter considers genetic advances, such as genetic modification and cloning, and ethical questions pertaining to these issues. Each chapter concludes with easy-to-follow inquiry-based activities and experiments that emphasize the scientific method and help students understand the topic. Numerous cartoons, facts, and QR codes that link to videos add further interest. Although the book can be used independently, it will be better appreciated with some background knowledge. A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics. Grades 4-7. --Angela Leeper

Edition details

• Publisher: Nomad Press
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1619302128
• ISBN 13: 9781619302129
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Carbaugh Samuel
• Number of pages: 128