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Genetics
and evolution are subjects that interest everybody, yet few people know
much about them.
Through songs, skits and interaction with Debra and Alan, children
learn why plants, animals and people are the way that they are.
Many of the basic principles of genetics are presented. for
example: Half of your genes came from your mother and half
from
your father. It is pointed out that we all have genetic differences and
similarities. We all have ears and eyes, but we have different ear
shapes and eye colors. By the way, why doesn't anybody have orange
eyes? That is because, in humans, there is no gene that
triggers
the production of orange eye color
ANIMALS
AND PLANTS CAN CHANGE!
Sometimes
new genes (mutations) happen. If
a mutation occurs in a fish, which makes its tail broader and
enables it to swim faster, it may be able to escape enemies
better than others of its kind. Eventually, because having a broader
tail is such an advantage, all of that kind of fish may have broader
tails.
WE CAN
BE ALMOST ANYTHING
The show
demonstrates some of the wonderful
variation that is a natural part of the human condition.
Explanations are given why certain traits in our remote ancestors were
favored in particular environments. Much of this variation
remains with us today, however, physical traits are not so vital to our
survival as they once were. It is stressed that our genes are
not
the only factors determining what we can accomplish. Our
genes do
give us all certain physical advantages and limitations, but
as
one of the songs in the show points out: We Can Be Almost
Anything That We Want To Be.
THE
GENES! GENES! GENES! TEACHER'S MANUAL
Each
school scheduling the assembly will
receive a teacher's manual containing lessons and hands-on
activities. There is also background information for the teacher and
reproducible teaching aids. Using the manual, teachers will
be
able to help their students explore the scientific concepts which were
presented in the assembly. Many of the activities not only
teach
genetics, but involve math, creative writing, artistic, and
dramatic skills.
Genes!
Genes! Genes! is fun,
entertaining, and a great way to teach students some of the
basic
principles of genetics and evolution. This 40 minute program
was
written by guitarist and songwriter, Alan Spector who holds a
masters in genetics from the University of Wisconsin.
Also appearing in the show is Debra Knox who is not only a fine singer
and keyboard player, but a natural children’s performer as
well.
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What
our bodies will look like is determined before we are born.
Genes
affect what we will look like. We get half of our genes from each of
our parents. Which genes we get from each parent are
determined
by chance.
Genetic
diversity is demonstrated by pointing out various traits present in
different frequencies in the audience.
Independent
assortment of genes. (Just because you have one kind of gene doesn't
necessarily mean that you will have any other particular gene.)
Humans
are much, much more genetically similar than they are
different.
Acquired
characteristics are not inherited.
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Elements
of the theory of evolution including competition, mutation, and
selection are explained.
The
theory of evolution applies to humans as well as animals and plants.
Variation
in humans reflects adaptations to conditions where they lived
long ago. Some variation may not have adaptive
significance.
Because
of the technological advances in the modern world, physical traits do
not influence survival as strongly as they once did.
People
can live in all parts of the world.
Genes
determine the physical make-up of our bodies, but what we do with that
genetic potential determines what we become.
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