A ground-breaking genetic education resource for all school students is set to roll out nationally after the successful uptake by teachers in Victoria.
The Science Within Us, a digital program that can dovetail with existing school curricula, was designed to improve students’ genetic literacy and help them understand the real-world application of genetics through powerful human stories.
It was initially developed for Year 11 and 12 students in Victoria, but the positive response from teachers signalled the demand was there to extend it into lower secondary years and primary school.
“The first stage of the project was downloaded by more than 320 teachers in Victoria, with a student reach of some 55,000,” said Project Manager Hollie Feller.
The program was designed by the Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV) in collaboration with Australian Genomics.
GSNV Chief Executive Monica Ferrie said genetics could be complex. What set this program apart was the way it began with basics, such as understanding hereditary traits, then integrated real-world case studies to reveal how those scientific concepts connected to everyday life.
Australian Genomics Managing Director Tiffany Boughtwood said introducing school students to the science and real-world impact of genetics would help them understand a fascinating area of human health.
“The Science Within Us is an innovative approach that could set students up for careers in a rapidly evolving field and create pathways for the future workforce,” she said.