The National Science Teaching Association, with the sponsorship of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has created seven lesson plans exploring genetic and genomic concepts connecting the ban of certain foods in the cafeteria and classroom to food allergies. Lesson plan units offer an opportunity to investigate a question or problem related to this phenomenon. Ultimately, students may be able to connect the bans to food allergies, although they may not be able to explain why a person has food allergies.

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Planning next fall’s lesson plans or capstone project? Bring the "Genome: Unlocking Life's Code" exhibition to your students with the "DiY Genome: Unlocking Life's Code" panel exhibition created by The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Human Genome Research Institute. These print-on-demand graphic panels and media pieces highlight the human genome, traits, genetic risks, genome editing and other relevant topics. The exhibit can fit spaces in schools, community centers, libraries, cafés, hospitals, transit hubs, museums, science centers, or other venues. A great way to learn about genomics in any setting!

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This month, Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code celebrates Henrietta Lacks’ birthday by highlighting the timeline which presents the life of Henrietta Lacks and the medical science discoveries resulting from her cells known as HeLa cells. Scroll through the timeline to learn more about who Henrietta Lacks was, how HeLa cells were discovered, and how medical science has benefitted. The timeline complements four lesson plans created by K-12 educators in partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Human Genome Research Institute. The lesson plans explore a variety of topics that interconnect Henrietta Lacks’ life and experiences and highlight the importance of these topics to our current understanding of science and society. Each lesson plan comes with instructional materials including resource sheets, PowerPoint slides, and introductory activities. Applicable Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards are listed, and each lesson plan is available in PDF form for easy download.

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