Nearly 900 members of the genetics scientific and counseling community have already volunteered to be a part of a unique resource for K-12 students and teachers.  These human genetics professionals and advocates will volunteer their time on National DNA Day as well as throughout the year to assist science teachers in increasing understanding and awareness of the Human Genome Project and genetics among students and the general public.

Resources for GEON members to take to the classroom!

To update your profile,
click here

To become a member of the network, click here

Outreach documentation survey:  If you have recently participated in an outreach event, please document it with us by filling out this short survey

To find a mentor in your area, click here
 

Hints for finding a mentor near you:

• Scientists, clinicians and counselors have a different timeline than most K-12 teachers.  In general, they need to be contacted a minimum of three weeks, preferably at least a month, ahead of the date you would like them to visit your classroom.  Therefore, please try to plan ahead when contacting a potential mentor.

• Until we are able to improve the location search tool, you can start with a zip code search.  However, if a zip code search does not find mentors for you, you might benefit by JUST searching by state alone and scanning the list of active mentors in your state for one that might be located nearby.

K-12 Genetics Education Clearinghouse

Just received a phone call and need help designing a lesson plan? Curious about what the standards are in genetics for your state? Check out the K-12 Genetics Education Clearinghouse for more information. Available starting in January 2006, the Clearinghouse is a searchable database that provides data on each state’s science standards in genetics for each grade level (elementary, middle and high school). We are continually adding internet resources that cover the specific content standards and are also adding links or documents that describe interactive lessons that can be used to teach specific standards.

Not hearing from teachers? Why not contact them?

To facilitate outreach efforts by mentors to local teachers and schools in their community, ASHG has developed a generic form letter that introduces the Genetics Outreach and Education Network, yourself as a member of the Mentor Network, and your interest in providing and/or aiding genetics educational opportunities. Please feel free to personalize the letter and to use your institution’s letterhead. If it would be helpful, ASHG will be happy to send a letter on your behalf and help arrange a visit to a local school in your area. Please contact the ASHG office if you would like for us to send a letter to a school of your choice.

Mentor Outreach Letter sample, for schools click here