Synopses & Reviews
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. 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 a 3D DNA double helix model, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspringand#8217;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.
Review
“Students interested in science or technology might accidentally learn to like history after reading this book.” —School Library Journal on The Industrial Revolution
Review
Praise for
Music: Investigate the Evolution of American SoundSchool Library Journal
"This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight. andhellip;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 peopleand#8217;s understanding of the scientific method . . . an appealing and age-appropriate STEM resource."
Review
Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNASchool 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. These timelines are at the beginning of the book to provide a context for the remaining chapters. Readers can use the QR codes to extend exploration of the key points. There is an extensive glossary, index, and list of books and resources. The web sites listed are excellent in as far as how the material is presented. The American Museum of Natural History site also has activities about genetics for the reader.
This book begins each chapter with a question and develops the answer by working through experiments for the reader. Small black and white cartoons add to the text that present short commentary on the concept in an easy to understand way . . .The book is written to the reader and I would use this book for a supplement if required to use a textbook. If I was not required to use a textbook, I would use this book for secondary classes. ."
Booklist
"What do dimples, a widows peak, and a cleft chin all have in common? Genetics! Beginning with a time line and an introduction to the study of heredity, this entry in the Inquire and Investigate series explains genetics in eight chapters that build upon one another. . . Each chapter concludes with easy-to-follow inquiry-based activities and experiments that emphasize the scientific method and help students understand the topic. Numerous cartoons, facts, and QR codes that link to videos add further interest. . . 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 peoples understanding of the scientific method . . . an appealing and age-appropriate STEM resource."
Synopsis
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. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics features graphic novel-style illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building a 3-D DNA double helix model, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offsprings 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.
About the Author
Carla Mooney is a writer whose work has appeared in Golfer Girl, Highlights, and Learning Through History. She is the author of several books, including Amazing Africa Projects You Can Build Yourself, Explore Rivers and Ponds!, Explorers of the New World, Forensics, George Washington: 25 Great Projects You Can Build Yourself, and The Industrial Revolution. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Samuel Carbaugh is the illustrator of Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself, Discover the Desert, Food: 25 Amazing Projects, Forensics, George Washington: 25 Great Projects You Can Build Yourself, Robotics, and Timekeeping. He lives in White River Junction, Vermont.
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