The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life

Description

Age range 12+ Have you ever wondered why you look the way you do? The answer lies in your human genome, the code of life. The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life investigates the fascinating world of genetics and the human genome. Explore the discoveries scientists have made about the human genome and how these discoveries have helped us better understand and treat certain diseases, trace our human ancestry and migration, and compare our species to others. In addition, explore some of the ethical, legal, and social issues that arise from advances in genomic science. Combining hands-on activities with history, biology, and chemistry, The Human Genome offers entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars to illuminate the topic and engage readers further. The Human Genome integrates a digital learning component by providing links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites. Text-to-self and text-to-world connections make learning applicable and fundamental. Investigations include decoding DNA sequences and identifying the proteins they code, using online scientific databases, carrying out a genetic variation investigation, debating potential genomic issues, and using genomic data to find a gene mutation associated with cancer. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults, with more than 20 titles for Nomad Press, including Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA and Human Movement: How the Body Walks, Runs, Jumps, and Kicks. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tom Casteel is an illustrator and cartoonist that graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies in 2011. He has illustrated more than two dozen books for Nomad Press. Tom lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, son, two smelly dogs and one old cat.

Praise for Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA by Carla Mooney Booklist What do dimples, a widow's peak, and a cleft chin all have in common? Genetics! Beginning with a time line and an introduction to the study of heredity, this entry in the Inquire and Investigate series explains genetics in eight chapters that build upon one another. Each chapter concludes with easy-to-follow inquiry-based activities and experiments that emphasize the scientific method and help students understand the topic. Numerous cartoons, facts, and QR codes that link to videos add further interest. Although the book can be used independently, it will be better appreciated with some background knowledge. A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics. School Library Journal In this installment of the Inquire & Investigate series, Mooney provides a succinct overview of the human genome. The introduction and the six brief chapters open with a clever cartoon. Reminiscent of a textbook's style and organization, Mooney briefly explains the featured topic, including the simple (how genes work) to the complex (the ethical dilemmas surrounding genomic testing and editing). The language is accessible for middle and high school readers. Side notes, callouts, key questions, and world connections highlight noteworthy subjects throughout the text. There are activities and experiments related to genetics. Casteel uses a variety of illustration styles, including photographs and computer-generated images. Charts, graphs, and time lines enhance the reader's understanding of the material. VERDICT A useful addition to middle and high school collections that rely on print materials for report writing.