Recent research advancements in the field of genomics have led to amazing new possibilities and treatments for genetic diseases, such as cancer and sickle cell anemia.
DNA Decoded, an educational program created in partnership with the Illumina Foundation and Discovery Education, recently launched new classroom-ready lessons and activities designed to help educators teach students the real-world applications and impact of genomics.
“Illumina is committed to furthering genomics literacy and STEM education to ensure everyone understands the full potential of the genome, said Christina Lim on behalf of the Illumina Foundation. “Our partnership with Discovery Education fosters the opportunity to bring genomics into the classroom and inspire future generations of STEM leaders via its DNA Decoded platform.”
The DNA Decoded program introduces students to a new world of life changing possibilities in science and genetic sequencing. Developed for educators teaching grades 9–12, the program shows students how advances in research have led to profound changes in the ways doctors and scientists treat diseases.
“DNA Decoded’ engages students in digitally immersive curriculum that helps launch them into a new world of possibilities in STEM,” said Andy Losik, STEM teacher at Hamilton Community Schools in Hamilton, Michigan. “The program’s standards-aligned tools make learning the complexity of genes, and how they affect the world around us, exciting and fun.”
New DNA Decoded digital lesson bundles and activities, including: Targeting Cancer; Agriculture Revolution; Deep Space Genomics; Race and Medicine and the Secrets of Sequencing; among others; will help young learning explore the ways in which they can see genomics in their everyday lives.
Curious about careers in STEM? Watch our video series Careers of the Future.
Listen to our Genomics Podcast on STEM education.
Click here to hear from Nobel Laureate, Frances Arnold, on what she wants future STEM leaders to know.
