Cracking the Code of Life: Reflection

sHello again! Today I will be talking about and reflecting on the documentary “Cracking the Cod of Life” on PBS that discusses the Human Genome Project, its effects and the issues that surround it.

Source: PBS

The documentary mainly discusses the Human Genome Project (HGP), the process of completing the project, how it could help genetics and determining disease and other various effects. The documentary did a very good job explaining what the project was, in simple terms, what its goals are and what the main “players” are, for example DNA, genes, and proteins. It provides scientifically accurate information in a simple manner, which I thought was great.

Simple diagram of the relationship between DNA and genes
Source: deskarati

The documentary also discusses genetic disorders and issues that are caused by faulty genes and what the HGP will be able to do to help identify what genes cause what disease.  By using examples of diseases like cystic fibrosis and Tay Sach’s disease, I was able to better understand how one mutation in one letter in one gene can affect people’s lives greatly and how this project can help fix this problem.

Difference between healthy CF gene and mutated CF gene.
Source: genome.gov

The groups and people who actually researched and completed the HGP are discussed, like Celera. Celera is the outside company who worked on the HGP that forced the government, or public, program to move faster. Private businesses and the pros and cons of them in the science industry were discussed and I personally think some involvement is good, but companies should not be able to patent genes because it prevents others from possibly researching and finding a cure to a disease in that gene.

 

Finally, the documentary discussed ethics associated with genes, gene alteration, medical privacy and more. The HGP and learning more information about genes could eventually lead to tests being created to identify whether you have a certain gene for a disease and possibly even influence how your child will look, though the latter is unlikely. I personally think parents should not be able to alter their child’s DNA to make them look a certain way, for a disease I see the benefit, however changing a child’s appearance is not in the natural order of things. The knowledge we will have must be used wisely, as with any amount of knowledge, the power can be abused and alter the way life should be and the natural order of things.

Source: hawaii.edu

After watching this documentary, I greatly appreciate the work scientists did for the Human Genome Project, it is a great step forward in science that will help us understand all other parts of human life. Though this knowledge could lead down a society altering road, I believe that the benefits will outweigh the negative possibilities. Finding, identifying and eventually coming up with a cure to a genetic disease is a possibility now due to the HGP, and that could change many people’s lives. Science and discovery such as the Human Genome Project are vital to furthering our understanding of humans and life. I would strongly recommend to watch this movie if you are interested in science, genetics or just want to know more about why genetics is so important. Thanks for reading!

My Opinion on Do Now: Project-Based Learning

Hello again! Today I will be sharing my opinion on the KQED Do Now regarding Project-Based Learning.

 

Project-based learning is the idea that students research and discover the topics themselves. Students make conclusions on a topic on their own and there is an emphasis on teamwork and becoming more skilled in practical techniques such as research and problem solving. Lectures and traditional schooling techniques are kept to a minimum and the classes are a lot more hands on. Some schools have implemented this project-based strategy of teaching, but the majority of schools still use traditional note and lecture classes.

Picture found here: goo.gl/R4fl4M

 

Here’s a video that discusses project-based learning and the keys to its success:

 

I believe that project-based learning can really benefit students if done correctly. It provides opportunities for students to learn about the topic in their own way, discover the information in a unique way and look at real applications to topics that are normally simply talked about in textbooks. Information would be more memorable and the process of discovering the answer is emphasized. The process becomes another part that students learn, as well as the information for the class.

Picture found here: http://goo.gl/CeNfUx

I am in a class, AP Biology, that has taken on this approach of project-based learning. It is not completely project-based, however, we have done projects and researched topics on our own to help our understanding of the material. For example, I have a post, here, that was conducted individually as a research project to help us understand photosynthesis. The class is focused on labs and group work, rather than lectures and notes, and I think for that class it works with moderation. There should be a mix of project-based learning and lectures, as the material is complex.

Picture of a chromatography lab done in biology that we did to learn about the different pigments in plant leaves

There are many upsides to project-based learning in that the topics covered are gone further in depth, the work done is applicable to real life and communication and teamwork are key. However, I am concerned that it may not cover enough information, due to the fact states still give out standardized tests. Even though project-based learning is effective, in my experience, it takes longer to fully understand the topic, and this could hinder students who want to take AP tests or are required to take standardized tests. Because of this, I emphasize my point that project-based learning should be used in moderation and traditional methods should still be implemented so students can get a basis for the projects and get a feel for the information before they apply it.

Picture found here: http://goo.gl/SGZs5R

I think that my high school should implement project-based learning because of the many benefits and the lack of standardized testing that public schools often require. If project-based learning is approached and done correctly and with the students’ best interests in mind, I think it could be beneficial at my school and at many other schools that have the resources to make it work.

 

 

Here are some websites that have more information on project-based learning if you would like some more information about the movement:

1. Project Based Learning: BIE
2. New Tech Network
3. US News Article on PBL

Comment with your opinion on project-based learning and thank you for reading!