The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life

A fascinating tour of the human genome and the role of genetics in our lives! Hands-on science investigations and STEM research projects help readers ages 12 to 15 discover a mysterious part of their own bodies―their genes!

Have you ever wondered why you look the way you do? The answer lies in your human genome, the code of life.

The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life investigates the fascinating world of genetics and the human genome. Kids ages 12 to 15 learn the basics of how genes work, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance happens. Explore the discoveries scientists have made about the human genome and how these discoveries have helped us better understand and treat certain diseases, trace our human ancestry and migration, and compare our species to others. In addition, explore some of the ethical, legal, and social issues that arise from advances in genomic science.

• Combining hands-on activities with history, biology, and chemistry, The Human Genome offers entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars to illuminate the topic and engage readers further.
• The Human Genome integrates a digital learning component by providing links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites. Text-to-self and text-to-world connections make learning applicable and fundamental.
• Investigations include decoding DNA sequences and identifying the proteins they code, using online scientific databases, carrying out a genetic variation investigation, debating potential genomic issues, and using genomic data to find a gene mutation associated with cancer.
• Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

About the Inquire & Investigate Human Science set and Nomad Press

The Human Genome is part of a set of three Inquire & Investigate Human Science books that explore the human body, genes, and brain. The other titles in this series are Inside the Human Body and Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing.

Nomad Press books in the Inquire & Investigate series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad’s unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults, with more than 20 titles for Nomad Press, including Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA and Human Movement: How the Body Walks, Runs, Jumps, and Kicks. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tom Casteel is an illustrator and cartoonist that graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies in 2011. He has illustrated more than two dozen books for Nomad Press. Tom lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, son, two smelly dogs and one old cat.