The Human Genome
Teacher Resources

The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life

By Carla Mooney  
Illustrated by Tom Casteel
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. Kids ages 12 to 15 learn the basics of how genes work, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance happens.
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Reviews

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. . . 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."

Praise for Human Movement also by Carla Mooney

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“A completely engaging narrative connecting cells, tissues, organs, and body systems to diverse fields beyond biology ranging from physics to energy transfer. The text is a unique combination of comic inserts, textual information, factual sidebars, vocab and inquiry labs, as well as QR codes linking the reader immediately to additional research information, games, and videos.”

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Detailed Book Description

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. Kids ages 12 to 15 learn the basics of how genes work, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance happens.

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. Hands-on STEM activities, text-to-world connections, essential questions, and links to online resources support deep learning.

Try these hands-on science projects!

  • Extract DNA from a strawberry
  • Use DNA sequencing to catch a thief
  • Cut with molecular scissors
  • Create a personalized medicine brochure
Available In:
Paperback, $17.95
9781619309074
Hardcover, $22.95
9781619309043
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8x10 size | 4-color | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Biology | Life Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
The Code of Life

Chapter 1
How Genes Work

Chapter 2
The Race to Map the Human Genome

Chapter 3
What Does the Human Genome Tell Us?

Chapter 4
Using the Human Genome to Improve Health

Chapter 5
Human Evolution: The Story of Us

Chapter 6
Our Genomic Future

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Selected Bibliography
Index