What are some of the key events in the history of genomics? How can I teach my students about microarrays without expensive equipment? How can I explore scientific and ethical issues relating to genetic testing with my students?  How can I incorporate genomics into my high school biology class even though the word “genomics” doesn’t appear throughout my curriculum?

For answers to these and other questions about teaching your students about genomics, download these easy-to-use classroom companions, including assignments, curriculum links, and more. These packages were created – and classroom tested! – by the winners of the OGI Genomics Teaching Prize.

2011 Winner - Jacqueline Ross, Thornlea Secondary School, Thornhill:

• Genomics in the Classroom 2011
  Includes:
  
  1. An Introduction to DNA Barcoding
  2. DNA Barcoding of Life
  3. Bioinformatics
  4. Cheese Production – The Evolution of Cheese-Making Technology
  5. SDS – Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)

2010 Winner - Glen Kim, St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, Mississauga:

• Presentation at STAO 2010
• Genomics in the Classroom 2010
  Includes:
  
  1. Simulated DNA Forensic Analysis Lab + Lab Marking Rubric (SBI 4U1)
  2. Gene Patenting/Bioethics Assignment (SBI 3U1/SBI 4U1)
  3. Literature Review (SBI 4U1)
  4. Resources for IDC 4U1 - Interdisciplinary Studies (Independent Research in Biotechnology)
     
     • Course Outline
     • Student Evaluation Sheet
     • Sample Project Proposal (submitted to the Sanofi-Aventis Biotalent Challenge in 2009)
     • Sample Student Display Board

2009 Winner - Mr. Doug Gajic, Centennial CVI, Guelph:

• Genomics in the Classroom - 2009
  Includes:
  
  • Bioassay for Potential Genomic Toxicants Using Duckweed (investigation)
  • The Trouble with Bananas (DNA Extraction)
  • Epigenetic Modification of the Genome (background) & DNA  Methylation Lab
  • Uses of Fluorescent Proteins in the Classroom (includes FP transformation, FP purification, bioinformatics extension)

2008 Winner - Mr. Bob Malyk, Ridley College, St. Catharines:

• Genomics in the Classroom - 2008
  Includes:
  
  • Berry full of DNA (DNA extraction)
  • Name that gene (BLAST exercise)
  • See your own DNA
  • You're having my zygote! (karyotyping exercise; *download chromosome sets here)
  • Additional classroom resources
• Ethics module - presymptomatic testing for Huntington's Disease
  By RW Hansen & SJ Durfy (2000) High School Human Genome Program

2007 Winner - Dr. Danielle Gauci, Northern Secondary School, Toronto:

• Genomics in the Classroom - 2007 - package 1
  Includes (along with curriculum links and references):
  
  • Biotechnology and genomics timeline assignment
  • Human Genome Project internet research assignment
  • Isolation of genomic DNA from onions
  • How big is the bacterial genome? (hands-on exercise)
  • Learning about microarrays
  • Genomics and global health
    
• Genomics in the Classroom - 2007 - package 2
  
  • Learning about microarrays - pencil & paper exercise