About the Program

Professional development in Genetics and Genomics and Bioethics

Teaching the Genome Generation (TtGG) is designed to provide high school teachers the content knowledge, teaching strategies, and resources needed to enhance student learning in genetics, genomics, and personalized medicine.  In TtGG™, students conduct classroom experiments, collect and analyze real data, and discuss of the ethical complexities at the intersection of human genomics, research and medicine.

The TtGG curriculum is divided into three major themes, which should be taught in an integrated fashion, rather than isolated units. These include:

1. the laboratory methods involved in isolating, amplifying and detecting human DNA,
2. the computational methods utilized in analyzing DNA, RNA or amino acid sequences, and
3. the ethics involved in genetic testing and genetics research. 

There are two professional development options for teachers:  an in-person short course (currently only available to teachers in New England states) and a virtual course that is self-paced. Regardless of course pursued, teachers will have the opportunity to develop lessons designed for their unique school environment and resources. The TtGG™ curriculum is highly adaptive- teachers can introduce modern genetics lessons in introductory biology, Honors, electives, and AP courses.  TtGG™ favors interdisciplinary modes of teaching including connections to computer science, social sciences, and health.

Upon completion of the course, TtGG™ support is provided by Genomics Educators at JAX as well as a community of alumni of the course and other experts who can provide guidance and mentoring. 

Short Course

TtGG staff offer a one-week, residential, paid short course to teachers living and teaching in New England states.  The hands-on course allows teachers the opportunity to perform molecular biology and bioinformatics experiments in the teaching laboratory.  Lively discussions of social, ethical, and legal topics in personal genetics are woven into all aspects of the course. Teachers are provided training in NGSS-aligned, inquiry-based lessons that can be implemented (in whole or in part) within their biology curricula. Access to all lesson plans and curricular materials is made freely available to all participants for use in their classes.

Our next summer professional development short course will take place in late June 2023 at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME. Registration for the TtGG short course will open in Spring 2023.