Education

This page provides access to education resources developed by MPBCRC in collaboration with Biotechnology Australia and the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics. These include freely accessible games, animated stories, puzzles and interactives for middle-years students. Topics include bioinformatics, gene mapping, inheritance, dominant and recessive alleles, as well as plant biology and an introduction to plants and plant traits that are important in Australian agriculture.  


Through its schools and community education programs MPBCRC increased the awareness and understanding of both molecular and conventional plant breeding's relationship to Australian agriculture within the community.

Bioinformatics

  • Raiders of the Lost Gene - An interactive game designed by a Year 10 student to represent the work of bioinformaticians working to solve plant breeding problems. Suitable for all ages.
  • Teacher notes.

Mendelian inheritance

  • Gene Genius - a beautifully illustrated, interactive animation presenting the history of genetics. Includes puzzles and quizzes. Suitable for junior secondary school students.
  • Student worksheet.
  • Teachers notes.

Tools and techniques

  • Get into Genes magazine - real-life research stories bring science to life. Suitable for senior secondary school students, teachers, early tertiary students. Contains
    • DNA - holding the secret to speedy breeding
    • Frost bites
    • A sprinkling of salt
    • Hayfever free ryegrass - nothing to sneeze at
    • Fact finding
    • Glossay
  • Vodcasts - the tools and techniques of molecular plant-breeding are presented in amusing, bite-sized videos. Suitable for all ages.

 Genes or environment?

  • The barley survival game - play your way to a better understanding of how environmental change influences the development of plant species over time. Suitable for junior secondary students.

Workshops

Get into Genes is an award-winning hands-on workshop for secondary school students that highlights the applications of biotechnology to agriculture. Follow this link to the Get into Genes website http://www.getintogenes.com.au/


 

 

 

 

 

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