The Phenomenal Genome

In an age of personalized medicine, gene-based therapies, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing, public understanding of genomics is a necessity. Yet the teaching and learning of the science of inheritance and biological variation is mired in a historical Mendelian framework, in which traits ostensibly controlled by a single gene are the primary focus. Students and the general public are being taught a simplified model of inheritance and biological variation that is out-of-sync with contemporary research and knowledge. 

The Phenomenal Genome project will address this gap in understanding by providing teachers and informal science educators with guidance on teaching genetics in a post-Mendelian framework, and will disseminate these findings to the field.

The project will focus on two main areas:

Teacher Professional Development
The Phenomenal Genome will develop an inquiry-based professional development program of activities and lesson plans to help middle and high school teachers integrate contemporary genetics into their teaching. 

Museum Exhibits and Programs
The project will also develop contemporary genetics exhibits and other experiences for museum visitors. We will test these experiences with visitors, and study visitor learning.