THE GENE Educator Series | NPT Learning Media

Category: Teacher Training
Availability: November 10, 2020 – June 30, 2021

In fall of 2020, NPT’s The Gene Educator Series explored the PBS Learning Media Collection The Gene: An Intimate History – a documentary executive-produced by Ken Burns – to help bring genetics into the classroom or at-home school room. All presentations were recorded, and are now available for you to gain access to this innovative professional development series at your own pace.

During this three-part series you will hear from expert educators at The Personal Genetics Education Project (pgEd); The Adventure Science Center; The Vanderbilt Genetics Institute; Meharry Medical College; Metro Nashville Public Schools STEAM Initiative; as well as guest speaker Chris Durrance, co-director of The Gene: An Intimate History. Each lesson plan featured in these workshops was designed for educators teaching middle- to high school-aged students and is accessible to you when you sign up through the free PBS Learning Media website.

Learn from educators Robin Bowman and Nadine Vincenten from the Personal Genetics Education Project (pgEd) as they introduce various resources, including PBS Learning Media segments. This presentation includes a panel discussion featuring local educators with MNPS STEAM Teacher Leaders who will explore best practices of teaching genetics in the classroom.

Day One Resources

Hear from scientists Dr. Renya Gordon with Vanderbilt Genetics Institute; Dr. Tanu Rana; and Ms. Ky’Era Actkins, doctoral candidate from Meharry Medical College, who highlight their work and other opportunities in the field of genetics. Followed by an in-depth discussion with local educators about access, resources, along with supportive conversations led by pgEd.

Day Two Resources

Hear from Chris Durrance, co-director of The Gene: An Intimate History, as he explains how the film connects the role genes play in our everyday lives. Followed by a Q&A with our MNPS STEAM Teacher Leaders and others.

Day Three Resources

Production funding for The Gene: An Intimate History has been provided by

Genentech, 23andMe, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Gray Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) & Conquer Cancer Foundation, Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation, Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Outreach and Education Partner is National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute. Outreach support is provided by Foundation Medicine.