[Catalist] Not-so fantastic Genetics Teaching Resource

[Michael McGarry]

Not-so fantastic Genetics Teaching Resource

Greeting Science Colleagues,

Copied [in part], & pasted below is an email from Ray Forma, which identifies and informs of genetics’ “misconceptions” at this URL 1: http://www.genetics.edu.au/publications-and-resources/facts-sheets <http://www.genetics.edu.au/publications-and-resources/facts-sheets>.

Please read this URL 2: http://www.genetics.edu.au/publications-and-resources/facts-sheets/genetics-fact-sheet-users-guide <http://www.genetics.edu.au/publications-and-resources/facts-sheets/genetics-fact-sheet-users-guide>. [Conceptual misconceptions are unfortunately, frequently promulgated in science resources.]

Ray also proof read to provide constructive comment, which I incorporated into a number of my Australian Science Curriculum [Year Levels 7 to 10], interactive PDF modules uploaded to ASTA MOODLE URL 3: http://moodle.asta.edu.au <http://moodle.asta.edu.au/>.

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“Mike,

Please be aware of wrong information in some of this material, mistakes that will reinforce misconceptions in students. As we all should know, it is very difficult to remove a misconception once it’s in place.

Random examples of wrong statements in this material:

Page 3 of Fact Sheet 51 PARKINSON DISEASE in the second column states: “We each have two copies of every one of our genes, one inherited from our mother…”

Wrong! In their 23rd ‘pair’ of chromosomes, human males only have one copy of the genes on their X-chromosome, inherited from mum, and only one copy of genes on their Y-chromosome, inherited from dad.

Fact Sheet 9 X-LINKED RECESSIVE INHERITANCE contradicts Fact Sheet 51.

Fact Sheet 9 on page 1 states "In all the cells of our body, our genes are found on chromosomes…” This is an understatement. What about mitochondrial genes? This is another situation where a possible misconception is introduced.

Fact Sheet 12 MITOCHONDRIAL INHERITANCE contradicts Fact Sheet 9.

Too many similar problems on the remaining ‘Fact' Sheets.”

“Poor learning materials confuse the average student, convincing too many of them that science is difficult, illogical, and contradictory. Why does teaching have the lowest entry requirements of any field-of-study in Australia?”

Ray Forma
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