Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA

by Carla Mooney, Samuel Carbaugh (Illustrator)

Overview

Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works.

In Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building 3D DNA double helix models, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring’s probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Genetics meets common core state standards in language arts for reading informational text and literary nonfiction and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781619302129
Publisher:	Nomad Press
Publication date:	04/15/2014
Series:	Inquire and Investigate Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,023,174
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 15 Years

About the Author

Carla Mooney is the author of several books for young readers including Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation, The Industrial Revolution: Investigate How Science and Technology Changed the World, and Explore Rivers and Ponds! With 25 Projects. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sam Carbaugh is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He has worked with many colleges and companies to create informational comics and illustrations. Sam lives in Grand Rapids, MI.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Genetics: The Code of Life
Chapter 1: Gregor Mendel
Chapter 2: Looking Inside the Cell
Chapter 3: DNA: The Genetic Material
Chapter 4: Genes and Chromosomes
Chapter 5: Sex Cells and Meiosis
Chapter 6: Sending Messages
Chapter 7: Gene Mutations
Chapter 8: Genetic Advances and Ethical Questions
Glossary
Resources
Index

Editorial Reviews

Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA
School Library Journal
". . . A solid STEM resource recommended for general interest as well as supplemental curricular use."

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA RECOMMENDS)
". . . Where was this book when I was studying genetics? The concepts are written in an easy to understand format. Simply by reading the timeline and history of genetics timeline, the reader is able to see the importance of this field of study and the advances that scientists have made . . ."

Booklist
". . . A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics."

Praise for Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound
School Library Journal
"This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight. …an admirable synopsis of the multicultural history of American music."

Praise for Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation by Carla Mooney
Booklist
". . . Like other titles in the Inquire and Investigate series, this book focuses on a high-interest topic in a cutting-edge field to reinforce young people’s understanding of the scientific method . . . an appealing and age-appropriate STEM resource."

Dig Magazine
"Genetics: Breaking the Code of your DNA is part of a new Inquire and Investigate series. Fascinating information, all offered in an approachable easy-to-understand manner, with fact boxes, suggestions for activities, descriptive explanations, and guides to further inquiry. Have fun and learn at the same time!"

From the Publisher

09/01/2014
Gr 6–10—This exploration of genetics uses the question "How are traits inherited from one generation to the next?" as a jumping-off point. Each chapter explains key discoveries and advances that have led to our current understanding of genetics, starting with Gregor Mendel. A variety of topics are covered: the discovery of DNA, the role of genes and chromosomes, the process of mitosis and meiosis, and the importance of RNA. The book also examines genetic mutations and scientific advances in the field, such as DNA fingerprinting, genetically modified organisms, and cloning. Written in a conversational style, this text renders complex content comprehensible. Each chapter includes many hands-on activities of varying degrees of usefulness and effectiveness. Given minimal but generally sufficient instructions, students are asked to recreate a version of Mendel's experiment, create a Punnett square, extract DNA from fruit, and create a model depicting meiosis, among other tasks. Internet access is required for some activities. Black-and-white, comic booklike illustrations impart some information but mostly add humor. Sidebars contribute additional facts, including scannable QR codes that link to helpful videos, such as clips on sexual reproduction and mitosis available though YouTube on Hank Green's Crash Course channel. These codes are a great addition, assuming students have access to a smartphone or a tablet app. A solid STEM resource recommended for general interest as well as supplemental curricular use.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

School Library Journal