As the GEEE! in Genome exhibit wraps up this week at the Telus World of Science in Vancouver, you might think this wonderful little site would be heading off towards the great sunset as well.
Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
We’ll continue to be a companion site to the Genome BC education outreach program. Look for Genome BC education announcements, articles, activities and a whole bunch of neat genomics stuff.

Just a quick thought as we say goodbye to a memorable 2009, and start to celebrate the dawn of an Olympic year. This weekend is the FINAL WEEKEND to visit the GEEE! in Genome exhibit at Science World. So, after you’ve greeted the new year, and maybe even after your Polar Bear swim, be sure to come to Science world to get your last look at this amazing exhibit!

Genomics never takes a holiday! Even during the festive season, science and genomics are making amazing new discoveries, helping us gain a better understanding into the world around us…even into our Christmas trees!

The holidays are upon us…teachers and students everywhere are finally getting some time off; a nice break from school. However, questions and knowledge never stop….there is always an inquisitive mind somewhere, eager to learn more.
Genome BC’s education website features a wonderful genomics glossary. Handy for teachers and students alike, it lists and defines key terms & concepts. As an example, some terms from C and P:

We’ve all heard of genetic testing….tests of our DNA looking for certain genes that would predispose us to certain conditions, like breast cancer, or Huntington’s disease. Testing itself is a relatively straightforward process…but the process involved in genetic testing is quite a bit more complicated.
Imagine….you’re in your twenties. You just got a big promotion and you’re dating this really great person. Life is going really well. But often there’s something nagging at the back of your mind ….. You’re worried about a disease running in your family. Individuals are healthy …

The news media is abuzz with news of a significant breakthrough in cancer research; scientists have sequenced both lung and skin cancer DNA.
The researchers found the DNA from melanoma (a common skin cancer) contained more than 30 000 errors. DNA from lung cancer had more than 23 000 errors. These errors, or mutations, won’t all cause disease, but mutations affecting key sections of the DNA code could trigger the cell to become cancerous. By identifying these mutations, researchers are hopeful targeted diagnostic and treatment tools can be developed.

Traveling suitcase exhibits are one of the ways that Genome BC helps to provide reliable resources and classroom ready activities. These boxes deliver multimedia activities, colourful text panels, fun computer games and 3-D models for your class to fully explore, engage and learn about the world of genomics.
This resource is available at no charge (including shipping) to groups within the province of British Columbia. We are currently booking from January to June 2010

To best help teachers incorporate our Educational Material and Articles into the classroom, Genome BC’s Education site has organized their materials around the BC Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLO). The PLO’s set the learning standards for K-12 education in BC. They guide the curriculum taught in BC schools and outline the knowledge students are expected to have acquired after taking a particular course or grade level.

This weekend we’re presenting DNA Dynamo: Investigate the awesomeness of DNA with representatives from Genome BC and find out what makes you unique!

Are you a teacher who is located in BC, outside of the Lower Mainland? Are you not able to bring your class to The GEEE! in Genome at Science World, due to the distance involved?
We encourage you to take a look at our Teacher’s Guides…not only do they provide background information about the exhibit, but also provide information and links to help you bring the exhibit to your classroom.