The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life

by Carla Mooney, Tom Casteel (Illustrator)

Overview

A fascinating tour of the human genome and the role of genetics in our lives! Hands-on science investigations and STEM research projects help readers ages 12 to 15 discover a mysterious part of their own bodies—their genes!

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.

• 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.

About the Inquire & Investigate Human Science set and Nomad Press

The Human Genome is part of a set of three Inquire & Investigate Human Science books that explore the human body, genes, and brain. The other titles in this series are Inside the Human Body and Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing.

Nomad Press books in the Inquire & Investigate series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad’s unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781619309074
Publisher:	Nomad Press
Publication date:	08/15/2020
Series:	Inquire & Investigate Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	691,578
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1110L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 15 Years

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Timeline
Introduction: The Code of Life
Extract DNA from a Strawberry
Chapter 1: How Genes Work
Decoding DNA’s Message
Chapter 2: The Race to Map the Human Genome
How Big Is Your Genome?
Chapter 3: What Does the Human Genome Tell Us?
Investigate Genetic Variation
How Mutations Occur
Chapter 4: Using the Human Genome to Improve Health
Pharmacogenomics: How the Genome Affects Drug Response
Create a Personalized Medicine Brochure
Spot a Cancer Mutation
Chapter 5: Human Evolution: The Story of Us
Natural Selection
Chapter 6: Cut With Molecular Scissors
Genome Testing for the Athlete
Our Genomic Future
To Catch a Thief

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Selected Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA by Carla Mooney

School Library Journal
"Written in a conversational style, this text renders complex content comprehensible. Each chapter includes many hands-on activities of varying degrees of usefulness and effectiveness. . . A solid STEM resource recommended for general interest as well as supplemental curricular use."


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."

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."

From the Publisher

05/01/2020

Gr 7–10—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.—Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA

School Library Journal