Genetics and Evolution Resources Online
Recommended Teaching and Learning Websites on Genes and DNA
Dec 18, 2008
The World Wide Web is an excellent tool for learning. However, science is often misrepresented in the media, and that includes websites. It is therefore important to choose online sources carefully, and looking for balanced material is a good start. Evolution and genetics are controversial topics, with some sites discussing them with little or no reference to the facts.
Scholarly-looking websites aren’t necessarily reliable, and on the flipside, there are some excellent sites that don’t look particularly professional. In other words, finding reliable sites can be tricky. The following recommended websites are among some of the most accurate, easy-to-navigate resources for students, teachers, beginners and enthusiasts.
Genetics Science Learning Center
This is a University of Utah site, or rather two sites: Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics. These sites include:
- Jargon-free and interactive educational materials on genetics, bioscience and health topics.
- Teaching resources to complement their educational materials, including lesson plans and worksheets.
- “Tour the Basics”, an animated section for those completely new to (or baffled by!) genetics.
- Virtual laboratories, covering topics such as genetic disorders and molecular genealogy.
Understanding Evolution
This non-commercial site is run by the Berkeley University of California, and is split into both learning and teaching materials. This site includes:
- “Evolution 101”, a comprehensive course, complete with quizzes, covering the basics of evolution in easy-to-understand language.
- Sections covering evidence, misconceptions, history and relevance of evolution.
- Teaching resources, including lesson plans and advice on tackling challenges that arise when teaching evolution.
- “Evo in the News”, a monthly feature covering the latest developments in evolution.
Understanding Genetics
This site is a collaboration between the Stanford School of Medicine and The Tech Museum of Innovation. This site includes:
- “Ask a Geneticist”, a section for submitting questions to those who work in the field.
- Exhibits, for example, “Zooming in on DNA”, a display with real photographs of cells, chromosomes and DNA.
- A survey on the ethical issues surrounding genetics, which visitors can complete online.
- A news section, reporting recent discoveries in genetics.
- Details on activities that can be completed at home, including a taste experiment and DNA extraction.
National Center for Science Education
This is the site of a not-for-profit organization aimed at promoting the teaching of evolution. It is a membership organization, however, anyone can view the site. This site includes:
- Easy-to-read articles covering evolution and creationism, including the debunking of common myths.
- A news blog, reporting the latest information on evolution.
- Advice for teachers, such as how to handle the challenges presented when teaching evolution.
For a list of other resources on genetics and evolution, visit the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology’s Evolution Resources page.
All sites were retrieved 18th December 2008. Claims and opinions expressed on external websites do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
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