Update and Dramatization of a Genetics Curriculum

In 1987 the Education Division of the Foundation for Blood Research developed, field tested, and distributed a human genetics curriculum unit for high school biology classes. The unit, titled 'Chances' Choices', is a free-standing interactive unit currently being used on an ongoing basis by at least 280 biology teachers and 15,000 students (annually) throughout the country. This project, in response to rapid advances in the field of human genetics, will revise, update and add to 'Chances' Choices'. The project will also develop an experimental theater component which will extend the human genetics information and issues to include middle school students and high school students other than those in biology classes. The first year of this 26 month project is to be devoted to updating the curriculum unit and to adding information on such current topics as DNA testing, the human genome project, gene therapy, insurance coverage issues, job security, confidentiality of laboratory test results and other information, and the genetics of cancer. During the second year, the updated and revised materials will be field tested by biology teachers and students in each of the 10 genetics regions in the United States. Also the pilot experimental theater component will be designed and tested in selected high schools. The results of the experimental theater pilot will be submitted for publication. Assuming only minimal distribution of the updated version of 'Chances' Choices' to teachers already using it, the proposed project has the potential to reach 280 teachers and at least 15,000 students yearly.