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High School Biology Department: Open Classes on "Genetics and Evolution"

June 11, 2024

“Genetics and Evolution” is one of the most important and difficult contents in the teaching of high school biology, in which the concepts of each part are progressive and interrelated. During this semester, the high school biology group has held four wonderful open classes on the topic of “Genetics and Evolution” for students of different grades and levels, reflecting the personalized and differentiated teaching process of high school biology teaching which insists on the student-oriented idea.

Mr. Deng Xiao conducted a Biology class on "Protein Translation" for Grade 10 students on April 26th. He began with a review of RNA types and their roles in translation. Students explored base pairing possibilities and concluded that a three-base sequence in mRNA matches one amino acid. Using a codon table, they translated an mRNA sequence into an amino acid sequence. To reinforce understanding, a role-play activity simulated the synthesis of a tripeptide, with Mr. Deng as the ribosome and students as tRNA, effectively illustrating the translation process.

On May 24th, Ms. Wu Man-Ching gave a class to Grade 11 students on "Systems Biology: The Mystery of Evolution." She started with an exercise where students created a phylogenetic tree from the physical traits of five animals. Then, using cytochrome c amino acid sequence data, students built another tree and shared both on a document. Ms. Wu discussed the methods and differences between them. Afterward, she introduced the FASTA database and Clustalo tool, guiding students to find and compare gene sequences from NCBI to construct a phylogenetic tree. This hands-on approach allowed students to experience modern systems biology methods, emphasizing the iterative nature of scientific discovery and the value of collaboration in advancing research.

On May 28th, Ms. Zeng Qiongyu taught a Grade 10 Biology class on "X-linked Inheritance and Pedigree Chart" to clarify the traits of X-linked diseases and analyze inheritance patterns. She began with a real genetic case to engage students, who actively discussed possible inheritance patterns. Ms. Zeng then detailed the principles of X-linked inheritance, explaining gender differences in disease frequency and family distribution patterns with case studies. After covering the basics, she introduced the pedigree chart and QuickPed tool, guiding students to create charts from given family histories. Through case presentations, students analyzed disease types and genotypes, deepening their understanding of pedigree charts' significance in genetic disease studies.

On June 4th, Ms. Li Yongchi taught a Grade 10 Biology class on "Genetic Diseases and Pedigree Charts," focusing on the application of pedigree charts in genetic disease analysis. She began by explaining autosomal disorders, then detailed the genetics and chart manifestations of sickle cell anemia and Achondroplasia, using cases for clarity. Ms. Li highlighted pedigree charts' role in analyzing inheritance patterns and predicting diseases. She also compared disease patterns across charts to illustrate genetic expression differences, enhancing analytical skills. The class concluded with a Huntington's disease case study, which engaged students and sparked interest in genetics and medical research.

Through the open classes, students have a more vivid and visual knowledge of the concepts of genetics and evolution, and biology teachers will also seek for better teaching methods in the exchange, and continue to explore the development of personalized teaching that is both educational and enjoyable.

(Written by Xiao Deng, Mengli Wang Pictures by Xiao Deng, Mengli Wang Reviewed by Qian Zuo)