Table of Contents:

Introduction to the Series
Purpose of this Teachers Guide
Curriculum Applications of the Videos

Introduction to the Series

One of the challenges of teaching science is to show students how concepts and skills learned in the classroom can be used to understand the world around them. Lessons which make connections between theory and its practical results, and between the sciences and the arts, hold greater meaning for students and motivate them to dig even deeper into the material.

Another way of bringing curriculum material to life is to present it to students in a creative and artful way so that the process of learning becomes a pleasurable activity in itself.

CRACKING THE CODE: The Continuing Saga Of Genetics is a nine part series of modular classroom videos that uses both of these techniques to help teach basic science concepts related to genetics, along with its scientific history. Although it focuses primarily on biology, the series creates links with other sciences, general history, technology, ethics and the environment. The series also connects scientific theory with real world applications and their social impact. And by using artful visuals and songs to teach science, it breaks down the subject barriers that usually seal the sciences off from the arts.

Teenagers at any level of ability will find this video series not only informative but also entertaining. Many of the concepts are illustrated by humorous animation and exciting film sequences. Best of al from their point of view, it feature one of Canada’s favorite pop groups, Moxy Früvous, who contribute many original and amusing songs that help to summarize and reinforce the information in the video.

The optimum way to use this video series is to first screen the current episode in one sitting, thereby providing an overview, then to later focus in on individual segments, in conjunction with the additional teaching suggestions and independent student activities provided in this teachers’ guide. To make the best use of this series in your classroom, students must learn viewing habits that are different than those they are used to at home - promoting active rather than passive viewing, centering full attention on the program, and participating in comprehension strategies that encourage thoughtful analysis of the content. Students should be engaged in predicting outcomes, drawing conclusions, and making inferences while viewing the videos. (Click here for National Teacher Training Institute suggestions for using videos to teach.)

Purpose of this Teachers Guide

For each episode, this guide does the following:

• summarizes the content of the video, including the stopping points
• makes suggestions for its use in the classroom*
• provides both teachers and students with additional background information
• offers a list of references for further reading and research
• provides independent learning activities that complement the video
• provides the lyrics of the songs for classroom use
• provides links to clips from the videos

Curriculum Applications of the Videos

• Biology
• Genetics and molecular genetics
• Science, Technology and Society
• History of Science
• Environmental studies and agriculture
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Geography (in relation to genetic distribution patterns)
• Music
• Video production and drama

On to Episode 1