NEWSLETTER: September 2017

A Baker's Dozen of 3-D Animations of the Cell, Organelles, & DNA

From the opening overall image of a mass of human cells, these animations zoom in and focus individually on the cell and its organelles in 3-D. Collectively, they form a thirteen-part 3-D tour that starts at the cell and ultimately arrives at the gene and DNA. All by the same artist, all meant to help learners visualize these microscopic entities, all under a minute in length and without narration, but with complete scientifically-vetted definitions. Try them out with your biology students, or in your presentations.


September 2017 Resource of the Month
 
Introductory Bioinformatics: Genetic Testing from the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR)

Our monthly internet search for the best free teaching resources for biology teachers has a winner for September, 2017: The free introductory bioinformatics curriculum from NWABR. A two-part effort in top-notch classroom support. 


Look for the second part (Advanced Bioinformatics) as next month's featured resource.
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2018 DNA Day Essay Contest

Start the school year off encouraging student entries in the annual ASHG DNA Day essay contest. Students in grades 9-12 (with help from their teachers) are asked to examine, question, and reflect on an important concept in genetics. 1st prize is $1,000 for the student and a $1,000 genetics materials grant for the teacher.

The deadline for entries is March 9, 2018.
Feature Story: GINA - Protection from Misuse of Genetic Information

Since May 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) bars health insurance companies from using genetic information to make decisions about insurance eligibility, coverage, premiums, or underwriting, and prohibits employers from discriminating against employees in any aspect of employment based on their genetic information.
 
And there's more. 
Enter the 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge for High School Students!
$250K college scholarship, $50K teacher prize, $100K school science lab

It is hard to overstate the impact a winning video in this Challenge would have for the student, teacher, and school. Designed to inspire creative thinking about fundamental concepts in natural science and mathematics, videos can be no longer than 5 minutes. Students must be between the ages of 13 and 18.

Samples of last year's winning videos are available on the Challenge website. 

Hurry.  The Challenge deadline is October 10, 2016, at 11:59 pm PDT. 

Quick links to popular teacher resources on Genome: Unlocking Life's Code.

 

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