Requirement #1: Research and Reading

\(\boxed{\mathbb{REQ}\Large \rightsquigarrow}\) Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements.

  1. Watch not less than three hours total of shows or documentaries that discuss genetics and/or genomics. Then do the following:

    1. Make a list of at least five questions or ideas from the show(s) you watched.

    2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

    Tip

    Some examples include—but are not limited to—shows found on PBS (NOVA: “Cracking the Code”), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, and TED Talks (online videos). You may choose to watch a live performance or movie developed by a local museum or state or federal agency. You may watch online productions with your counselor’s approval and under your parent’s supervision.

  2. Read (not less than three hours total) about genetics or genomics. Then do the following:

    1. Make a list of at least five questions or ideas from each article.

    2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

    Tip

    Examples of magazines include—but are not limited to—Odyssey, Popular Science, Science Illustrated, Natural History, Scientific American, Nature Conservancy, Sage, and Smithsonian. Books might include The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks or The Gene: An Intimate History.

  3. Do a combination of reading and watching (not less than three hours total). Then do the following:

    1. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from each article or show.

    2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

Note

DNA is nature’s way to store genetic information. Do you know what DNA stands for? Answer: deoxyribonucleic acid

Other important molecules in genetics are also known by their short names, like RNA, which stands for ribonucleic acid. RNA is used in your body to carry genetic information.

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An artist’s view of DNA, image obtained from NewScientist.

Attention

Once you have completed this requirement, make sure you document it in your worksheet!