Material Detail

Gene Switches

In this activity, learners explore how genetic switches function and the role of genetic switches in the process of evolution. To make these concepts less abstract and more understandable, learners first view a series of video clips and animations from the HHMI DVD (or online) "Evolution: Constant Change and Common Threads." Then, learners construct a model of a gene switch using craft materials or FridgiGears (magnetic gears). This activity can be done as a demonstration, a student inquiry activity, or a combination of the two.

Keywords:: Social Sciences, RNA Polymerase, Mutations, History/Policy/Law, Evidence for Evolution, NSDL, Biological Science, Ecology, Representation, Survival, Animals, Gene Switches, Conducting Investigations, Health/Medicine, Noncoding DNA, MRNA, History of Life, General, Earth System Science, DNA, Heredity and Genetics, Variation, Forestry and Agriculture, Populations, Life Science, Diversity of Life, Geoscience, Mathematics, Anthropology, Biodiversity, General Science, Pitx-1 Gene, DNA Structure and Function, Promoter, Gene, Evolution, Natural Selection, Coding DNA, Genetics, Patterns of Heredity, Regulatory Molecule, Education, Mechanisms of Evolution, Formulating Explanations