In the youth development class on October 28, the seventh-grade students had the honor to invite Dr. Daniel Falush, senior researcher of the Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to bring a lively and interesting lecture on genes and genetics.

What can genes tell us? Where did we come from? Who are we related to? What diseases will we get? What crimes will we commit? At the beginning of the lecture, Dr. Falush raised these interesting heavyweight questions, which aroused the students’ thinking. The seventh-grade students learned about genes and genetics in last year’s science class. They are familiar with the terms such as DNA and chromosome that were mentioned in the lecture. With problems and existing knowledge, they listened to the lecture very seriously and attentively. Dr. Falush has been deeply involved in the field of gene research for many years. His lecture focuses on genome recombination technology and chromosome painting technology, as well as the relationship between human migration and gene admixture. Dr. Falush’s explanation is vivid and interesting. By citing many specific research cases, the students have a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of the cutting-edge technology of gene research.

This semester, the seventh-grade students are trying hard to become independent learners by reflecting on and improving their learning habits. The teachers are also focusing on cultivating students’ inquisitive spirit and critical thinking skills. This science lecture broadens the horizons of grade-seven students. They not only learned the cutting-edge knowledge of genetic science, but also had a further understanding of the ideas, methods, and processes of scientific research, deeply felt the great value and far-reaching significance of genetic science, and had a greater motivation to become independent learners.

(Written by Yuting Gu Pictures by Cheng Liyan, Gu Yuting Edited by Huang Shiyuan, Brie Polette)